Newsmakers

Pleaded Former New Orleans Saints player Darren Sharper pleaded guilty Monday to rape in Louisiana, completing a series of pleas in four states that will see him serve at least nine years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting women. Sharper entered his plea — guilty to two counts of forcible rape and one count of simple rape —in a Louisiana state court in New Orleans, a short drive from the federal court where he pleaded guilty last month. He could serve as much as 20 years under terms of a lengthy memorandum read in court by state District Judge Karen Herman.

Extended Linebacker Thomas Davis plans to end his career right where it began — with the Carolina Panthers. The 32-year-old Davis signed a two-year contract extension, which keeps him with the team through 2017. He’s spent his entire career in Carolina, overcoming three torn ACLs to the same knee to return and play at a high level. Davis has posted three straight 100-tackle seasons, including 129 in 2014. The former Georgia star is the second-leading tackler in franchise history with 831, and has played in 117 regular-season games and started 99, both team records for a linebacker.

Exercised The Hornets have announced center Al Jefferson has exercised the third-year option on his contract and will remain with the team next season. The 11-year NBA veteran will make $13.5 million in the final year of his deal. Jefferson struggled with injuries last season and appeared in 65 games, averaging 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.3 blocks in 30.6 minutes.

Signed Goalie Philipp Grubauer has signed a $1.5 million, two-year contract to stay with the Washington Capitals. The 23-year-old Grubauer won Game 2 of the Capitals’ first-round playoff series against the New York Islanders, becoming the first German-born goalie to start an NHL playoff game.