Newsmakers

Reiterated Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said he met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on a trip to New York this week to reiterate the city’s interest in bringing both leagues to the Emerald City. While Silver said Seattle remains an attractive city for an NBA franchise, the league does not have any plans to expand at this time. Murray said the city remains “keen on bringing an NHL team here,” and that Bettman recognized Seattle’s value as a home for a future franchise.

Hired The Seattle Sounders hired former MLS striker Ante Razov as their new assistant coach. He replaces Ezra Hendrickson, who became the coach of S2, the Sounders’ USL-Pro franchise. Razov was an MLS original, spending 14 years with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New York Metrostars and Chivas USA. Razov ranks fourth all time in league history with 114 goals.

Agreed Former National League Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto and two-time All-Star pitcher Brad Penny agreed to minor league contracts with the Chicago White Sox. Soto, the N.L. Rookie of the Year with the Cubs in 2008, appeared in just 24 games with Texas and Oakland last season. He was limited by knee and foot injuries. Penny was an All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2006 and 2007.

Announced Pitcher Pedro Martinez’s Hall of Fame plaque will have the cap of the Boston Red Sox and John Smoltz’s will have the Atlanta Braves. Randy Johnson’s will have the cap of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Filed Relatives of Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson filed a lawsuit opposing their ousters from ownership positions of the two New Orleans teams. Benson’s daughter, Renee, and her two children allege Benson is being manipulated by his wife of 10 years. The lawsuit comes less than 24 hours after the 87-year-old owner announced he has rewritten his will to give wife Gayle Benson control of the Saints and Pelicans upon his death.

Expected Connecticut Sun forward Chiney Ogwumike underwent microfracture surgery on her right knee and is expected to make a full recovery in 6 to 9 months. The league’s rookie of the year averaged 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds while playing in 31 games this past season.

Extended Georgia football coach Mark Richt received a two-year contract extension that ties him to the Bulldogs through 2019 and increases his salary to $4 million.