Newsmakers

Retired Linebacker Shawne Merriman announced on his website that he plans to retire. The player wrote he is electing to retire on his own terms, saying he will “leave while I know I can still physically play the game.” He’s a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL’s 2005 defensive rookie of the year with San Diego.

Fined Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for striking Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers in the groin area during Sunday’s game.

Out Portland Timbers midfielder Sal Zizzo will be sidelined four to six weeks following surgery on his left knee.

Signed Guard Aaron Brooks has signed with Houston, rejoining the team that drafted him in 2007. He averaged eight points and 2.3 assists in 46 games for the Kings this season.

Promoted The Cleveland Browns have changed Mike Lombardi’s title to general manager. Lombardi was named the club’s vice president of player personnel on Jan. 18 after he spent the past five years working as a TV commentator.

Released The Minnesota Vikings have released wide receiver Michael Jenkins. He was due a roster bonus of $2.425 million on March 16 and a base salary of $825,000 for 2013.

Declined The Green Bay Packers declined to use their franchise tag on Greg Jennings, meaning the star wide receiver will become an unrestricted free agent next week. The agent for the 29-year-old Jennings, who ranks in the top 10 on the all-time Packers reception list, can begin speaking with other teams as soon as Saturday.

Announced Boxer Wladimir Klitschko will defend his four heavyweight titles against Francesco Pianeta in May. Klitschko’s management says the fight will take place on May 4 in Mannhein, Germany.

Canceled A U.N. aid agency has canceled an April marathon in Gaza following a ban on women runners imposed by the territory’s militant Islamic Hamas rulers. The group is cracking down on behavior it deems contrary to Islam.