NFL claims nine referees not dismissed
NFL: The NFL says nine former on-field officials have not been fired from part-time jobs.
Former NFL referee Jerry Markbreit said Friday that he and eight other retired officials were asked to hand in their NFL-issued laptops and had been fired. The league wanted the nine men to train replacement officials after the league locked out the current officials.
The NFL says in a statement that the nine “are seasonal employees who have decided not to work at this time. We asked for their NFL-issued laptops back so that those who are working right now can use them.”
The other eight ex-officials are Ron Botchan, Red Cashion, Tom Fincken, Dean Look, Ben Montgomery, Jim Quirk, Bill Schmitz, and Sid Semon.
The regular officials’ contract ran out on May 31, and the NFL has been lining up replacements.
The league responded said it began the process of hiring replacements when the officials told the NFL of their intention to authorize a strike.
Horschel takes True South lead with 63
Golf: Billy Horschel shot a 9-under 63 in the second round on Friday to take a one-stroke lead at the True South Classic in Madison, Miss.
Horschel played a bogey-free round and made two eagles for a 13-under 131 total.
Matt Bettencourt was one stroke back after a 65.
• Wagner, Mulder out front in Tahoe: Actor Jack Wagner and former pitcher Mark Mulder shared the lead Friday after the first round of the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Lake Tahoe.
More violations probable at Miami
College football: Yahoo Sports is reporting that a former Miami football employee linked to one-time booster Nevin Shapiro helped members of Al Golden’s coaching staff with recruiting, which could be another NCAA violation for the troubled program.
Citing unidentified sources, Yahoo Sports says former Miami assistant equipment manager Sean Allen not only contacted recruits and provided impermissible benefits, but did so with Golden’s “direct knowledge.”
Beasley says drugs are a thing of the past
NBA: Michael Beasley says his marijuana issues are a thing of the past, that he’s ready to show the Phoenix Suns that their support for him is warranted.
The 6-foot-10 forward signed a three-year, $18 million contract with Phoenix, then faced questions about his past head-on at a news conference. Beasley says that he’s learned that “10 minutes of feeling good” is not worth putting his life, career and legacy in jeopardy.
Edmonton, Gagner avoid arbitration
Hockey: The Edmonton Oilers avoided arbitration with Sam Gagner, signing the forward to a one-year, $3.2 million deal.
Gagner played in 75 games last season with the Oilers, scoring a career-high 18 goals with 29 assists for 47 points.
• Kulemin sticks with Leafs: The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided arbitration with Nikolai Kulemin, signing the forward to a two-year, $5.6-million deal. Kulemin will make $2.6 million next season.