Newsmakers

Requested The attorney for Hope Solo is asking the court to dismiss domestic violence charges against the U.S. national team goalkeeper. Solo was charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault following an altercation with her half-sister and nephew at a party in June. Solo claimed in the documents filed Wednesday that she was defending herself against her 17-year-old nephew, who is 6-foot-9 and weighs 280 pounds. The trial is scheduled for Jan. 20.

Announced New Nebraska football coach Mike Riley is bringing four of his Oregon State assistants with him to Lincoln. Riley said Thursday that defensive assistants Mark Banker and Trent Bray, offensive assistant Mike Cavanaugh and special teams coach Bruce Read will be on his staff.

Activated The Anaheim Ducks activated goalie Jason LaBarbera and assigned forward Dany Heatley to the AHL on a long-term injury conditioning loan. Anaheim also assigned defenseman Josh Manson to their AHL affiliate in Norfolk and sent goalie Igor Bobkov to Utah of the ECHL.

Banned D.C. United forward Fabian Espindola was suspended by MLS for six games and fined because he shoved a game official following a playoff game last month. Espindola came into contact with assistant referee George Gansner after D.C. was eliminated against New York on Nov. 8.

Hired Tulsa announced that it has hired Baylor offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery as its head coach. Montgomery joined Baylor in 2008 with head coach Art Briles. Baylor is the only team in FBS to be ranked in the top four in the country in total offense each of the last four seasons. Tulsa fired Bill Blankenship after a 2-10 season.

Awarded NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick was named Driver of the Year by a panel of broadcasters and journalists. Harvick won the final two races of the season to earn his first career Sprint Cup championship. He won five races in his first season with Stewart-Haas Racing, and it included three in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Returned McLaren announced the return of Fernando Alonso and said the two-time Formula One champion will drive alongside Jenson Button in the 2015 season, with Kevin Magnussen dropping to reserve driver for the British team. Alonso returned to his former team after five seasons with Ferrari.