Newsmakers

Partnered The LeBron James Family Foundation and the University of Akron could be putting as many as 2,300 Akron kids through college in a new partnership announced Thursday. James and UA President Scott Scarborough revealed the next evolution in the foundation’s I PROMISE program at the organization’s annual “family reunion” – this year an amusement park excursion for nearly 5,000 students and family members.

Quit Receiver Cordell Broadus, the son of rapper Snoop Dogg, has quit the UCLA football team. Broadus, who played at Las Vegas Bishop Gorman High, has been absent from UCLA’s training camp since it opened on Monday. He was ranked 130th on ESPN’s top-300 recruit list.

Signed Swedish forward Carl Hagelin’s patience has been rewarded with a big new contract from the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks announced a four-year deal worth $16 million for their recently acquired forward. Hagelin had 58 goals and 72 assists in 266 games with the Rangers, including all 82 games last season.

Agreed Minnesota football coach Jerry Kill has agreed to a one-year contract extension, through the 2019 season. Kill gets a $300,000 raise and now will make $2.5 million per season. Kill starts his fifth year on the job with a 25-26 record that includes losses in three bowl games.

Revived Olympic cyclist Taylor Phinney will continue his comeback from a devastating injury sustained more than a year ago when he starts next week’s USA Pro Challenge.