Newsmakers

Released The Dallas Cowboys released defensive end Michael Sam from the practice squad Tuesday, dropping the NFL’s first openly gay player as they prepare for several potential reinforcements to return to the defensive line. Sam spent seven weeks with the Cowboys after joining their practice squad Sept. 3, four days after he was among the final cuts by the St. Louis Rams at the end of the preseason. He was never placed on the 53-man active roster.

Suspended Backup quarterback Jarred Evans was suspended indefinitely by Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville for his arrest over the weekend on a misdemeanor assault charge. The police report said Evans punched a man, causing him to fall and sustain a concussion and a cut that required stitches. Evans was arrested early Sunday morning and stayed in jail until Monday. Evans was third on Cincinnati’s depth chart behind Gunner Kiel and Munchie Legaux. He rushed 10 times for 67 yards and a touchdown Saturday in a 41-3 win against Southern Methodist.

Announced Tennis star Roger Federer will take on Grigor Dimitrov, known as “Baby Fed” in an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden on March 10. The two will play in the eighth edition of the BNP Paribas Showdown. Dimitrov reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon in July.

Died Former swimming coach Peter Daland died Monday in Thousand Oaks, California. He was 93.Daland had Alzheimer’s disease.He coached the 1972 U.S. Olympic men’s swim team to nine gold medals, including the seven won by Mark Spitz. Eight years earlier, he guided the U.S. women’s team to six gold medals.At USC, where he coached from 1958 until his retirement in 1992, Daland’s teams won nine NCAA championships and placed second 11 times.

Injured UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has injured his right knee in training, forcing him out of his title defense against Fabricio Werdum on Nov. 15. Mark Hunt will instead meet Werdum for an interim heavyweight title at UFC 180, the mixed martial arts promotion’s debut in Mexico.

Agreed Right-hander Jerome Williams has agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Williams was 4-2 with a 2.83 ERA in nine starts for the Phillies after being claimed off waivers from the Texas Rangers on Aug. 10.