Newsmakers

Announced Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett left longtime agent Drew Rosenhaus, according to a tweet from Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal.

Extended The World Series-champion Kansas City Royals signed general manager Dayton Moore and manager Ned Yost to contract extensions.

Manager Chip Hale’s option for 2017 was exercised by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sidelined The Los Angeles Angels are preparing to start the season without Albert Pujols, who is recovering from right foot surgery. The team’s medical staff thinks Pujols won’t be ready for the April 4 opener against Chicago.

Rejected U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo rejected a plea deal in the rape case against former NFL star Darren Sharper, saying the nine-year sentence doesn’t reflect the seriousness of the alleged assaults against as many as 16 women. Milazzo gave Sharper until March 3 to decide whether to withdraw his guilty plea.

Suspended Tennessee DL Alexis Johnson was released on bond following his arrest on charges of aggravated assault and false imprisonment. Tennessee athletic department spokesman Ryan Robinson said Johnson has been suspended from all team activities.

Decided New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman said he would appeal if he is suspended by MLB under the sport’s new domestic violence policy. Florida prosecutors decided not to file charges against Chapman, whose girlfriend told officers he pushed her, put his hands around her neck and choked her.

Terminated The Browns terminated the contracts of DL Randy Starks and TE Jim Dray.

Reported A.L. Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel received the steepest increase among the 156 players in salary arbitration this year. The salary of the Houston Astros ace rose 1,282 percent, from $524,500 to $7.25 million.