National

The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a $40 million, four-year contract with Martin Prado just a week after acquiring the former All-Star infielder in a trade that sent Justin Upton to Atlanta.

Brooklyn Nets power forward Reggie Evans said Thursday he never downplayed the Miami Heat's championship during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, and his comments were blown out of proportion.

Snowmobile rider Caleb Moore remains in critical condition after a crash at the Winter X Games in Aspen and is being closely monitored.

The Baltimore Ravens will move their team practice to the Saints' indoor facility on Thursday after practicing outdoors in heavy winds at Tulane University on Wednesday.

The NFL, in cooperation with government authorities, announced on Thursday that it had seized a record $13.6 million in counterfeit NFL merchandise this season in a nationwide enforcement effort called "Operation Red Zone."

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver has apologized for anti-gay comments he made to a comedian during Super Bowl media day.

A California man says he created the hoax involving former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and a fake girlfriend because he was in love with the football player.

Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver announced he is retiring after 14 seasons on ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike in the Morning" on Thursday.

The Los Angeles Lakers' all-important seven-game road trip started off by adding insult -- a 92-86 loss to the Phoenix Suns after blowing a 13-point fourth-quarter lead -- to injury, with Dwight Howard re-aggravating the torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Michael Beasley scored a season-high 27 points and the Phoenix Suns rallied from 13 down in the fourth quarter to hand the Los Angeles Lakers their eighth straight road loss, 92-86 on Wednesday night.

Steve Nash received both cheers and a smattering of boos Wednesday when he was introduced as a visiting player in Phoenix for the first time since being traded from the Suns to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Although his team is riding a three-game winning streak, Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni sounded exasperated when asked about Pau Gasol's reaction to his fourth-quarter benching Tuesday.

Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points to set a team-record with his 30th straight 20-point game, leading the New York Knicks to a 113-97 victory over the reeling Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

LeBron James had 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and the Miami Heat blew out Brooklyn in the second half for a 105-85 victory Wednesday night, their 13th in a row over the Nets.

Brittney Griner set the Big 12 women's career scoring record on Wednesday night, finishing with 40 points in top-ranked Baylor's 90-60 victory over Texas Tech.

The 2013 NASC Sports Symposium is around the corner and I hope everybody is getting ready for this event and all the events of your own upcoming this spring. I would like to have everyone just take a quick minute and try to get involved in a worthy cause and take the opportunity to showcase your area and events! After 2012 Hartford, I was looking to get more involved in NASC and contacted the national office and showed my interest in the Sport Legacy Committee and am very excited in our committee’s goals for this year’s symposium.

“Run. Louisville, Run” is the 2013 Beneficiary for the Sports Legacy fund. This program challenges youth ages 12-18, to train and complete the Triple crown of racing , a 10- mile race held in the Spring. This is a great opportunity for every member to get involved in this cause but more important to “show-off” something special or unique about your city, event or region.

Our committee is looking for you to donate an item or items from your city or event that best represents your area and can show all the other members what you’re doing for today’s sporting events around the country. If unable to donate, please pass the world around to all your colleagues about bidding on items at this year’s symposium or purchasing raffle tickets to win other great prizes.

I really think NASC and all its doing for our membership and the entire sports world is moving in the right direction and I hope you will consider donating to NASC Sports Legacy Fund. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reach out to the membership and I look forward to seeing you in Louisville.

JIM STEELE, South Sioux City NE CVB

49ers teammates say he's a 'simple guy' known for his work ethic

Greg Jamison, the main suitor for the Coyotes, cannot produce the capital needed to purchase the team from the NHL and a Jan. 31 deadline to maintain a critical lease agreement with Glendale will pass without a deal, multiple sources have told ESPN.com.

The San Francisco 49ers have rejected recent comments made by cornerback Chris Culliver, who told a radio host that he would not welcome a gay teammate, particularly in the locker room.

The Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors have agreed in principle on a trade that will send leading scorer Rudy Gay to the Raptors, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.