Newsmakers

Agreed All-Pro Rob Gronkowski agreed Friday to a $54 million deal with the New England Patriots, the richest contract for a tight end in NFL history. The six-year deal includes $18.17 million guaranteed. It is a stunning move by the team for a player entering just his third season in the NFL.

Approved The city council in Glendale, Ariz., approved a 20-year lease agreement for Jobing.com Arena, clearing the last hurdle in the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to a group led by former San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison.

Died Former North Carolina basketball star Pete Brennan, 75, whose crucial shot in the semifinals helped the Tar Heels win the 1957 national championship, died Friday after a fight with cancer.

Signed The San Diego Chargers say they agreed to terms on a one-year contract with running back Ronnie Brown. The 6-foot, 230-pound Brown ran for 136 yards and a touchdown last season while backing up LeSean McCoy with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Ruled A second arbitrator ruled that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has the authority to discipline Saints players for their roles in a bounty program. The players’ union claimed Goodell is prohibited from punishing players for any conduct before the CBA was signed last August. The union also sought to have player appeals heard by Art Shell and Ted Cottrell, who are jointly appointed by the league and union to review discipline handed out for on-field conduct.

Hired The New Orleans Saints hired a firm run by former FBI director Louis Freeh to conduct an internal investigation of the NFL club with the aim of getting to the bottom of allegations ranging from wire-tapping during games in the Superdome to the bounty scandal.

Announced Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly underwent surgery for a herniated disk in his lower back.

Settled The attorney for a former Golden State Warriors employee who accused former star guard Monta Ellis of sexual harassment says a settlement has been reached in her lawsuit against the team.