Newsmakers
Hired Former University of Oregon wrestler Chael Sonnen has been hired by ESPN as a mixed martial arts analyst after he was fired by Fox and the UFC earlier this year under a cloud of performance-enhancing drug use. Sonnen will provide studio commentary and on-site analysis for ESPN. Sonnen said he’s grateful for another chance. The loquacious middleweight lost three UFC title fights during a largely successful career.
Out Louisville coach Bobby Petrino says that sophomore quarterback Will Gardner will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a left knee injury in Saturday’s 38-19 victory at Boston College. The Cardinals (7-3, 5-3, Atlantic Coast Conference) were 5-2 in Gardner’s seven starts. Freshman Reggie Bonnafon, who threw for two touchdowns against BC, will take over for Louisville when it returns from a bye at No. 15 Notre Dame on Nov. 22.
• Auburn receiver D’haquille Williams isn’t expected to play against Georgia. Coach Gus Malzahn says Williams is “week to week right now” for the ninth-ranked Tigers after injuring his right knee against Texas A&M. He is leading Auburn with 38 catches for 609 yards and five touchdowns.
Disqualified Morocco has been disqualified from the 2015 African Cup of Nations after refusing to host the tournament because of Ebola, and a new host country will be chosen. The Confederation of African Football says it has received “some applications” from possible replacement hosts. CAF didn’t announce who the candidates were.
Died Sports agent Shep Goldberg, who guided the careers of Mary Lou Retton and Michelle Kwan, has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 65. Goldberg also worked with 2010 Olympic figure skating champion Evan Lysacek. Goldberg lived in Northville, Michigan, since 1996. He is survived by his wife, Janet, and two daughters.
Announced The Bay Area bowl game that will be played in the new Levi’s Stadium will be known as the Foster Farms Bowl. The game will be played in Santa Clara on Dec. 30. The game will be committed to the cause of fighting hunger, with each ticket sold leading to a meal for a hungry family in the Bay Area. The game will feature teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences.
• World Cup champion Germany says it will host the United States in an exhibition game in June. Germany beat the U.S. 1-0 in its final group stage match at the World Cup before going on to win the title in July.