NFL: Report: Sparano staying
The strange saga of Dolphins coach Tony Sparano may finally have come to an end. The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported last night that the Dolphins will give their coach a two-year extension. This comes after interviewing Jim Harbaugh, who was hired by the 49ers yesterday.
The Dolphins scheduled a late-afternoon news conference to make the announcement, but the session was postponed 20 minutes before the scheduled start. Nearly two hours later, the Dolphins rescheduled the session for today with no explanation. The report of the extension came later last night.
* Titans owner Bud Adams decided to keep Jeff Fisher for the 2011 season, his 17th with the team. The decision comes two days after the 88-year-old owner agreed the Titans needed to part with Vince Young.
* Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur interviewed for the Browns’ top job.
COLLEGE: LeGrand keeps faith
Paralyzed Rutgers football player Eric LeGrand told ESPN in an interview that he believes he will walk again. “I believe it,” LeGrand said. “God has a plan for me, and I know it’s not to be sitting here all the time.”
* Alabama running back Mark Ingram, defensive lineman Marcell Dareus and wide receiver Julio Jones and Wisconsin running back John Clay entered the NFL draft. . . . TCU extended coach Gary Patterson‘s contract through the 2018 season.
* In Frisco, Texas, Bo Levi Mitchell led three straight late touchdown drives, leading Eastern Washington a 20-19 victory over Delaware and its first FCS championship.
* In The Bronx, Rhemal Brown scored 20 points but Manhattan (2-12, 0-4 MAAC) lost its 12th straight, 82-67 to Loyola (Md.).
ETC.: Cubs to acquire Garza
The Cubs have a tentative trade in place to obtain right-hander Matt Garza from the Rays, according to two people familiar with the negotiations. The Rays would receive outfielder Sam Fuld, minor league outfielder Brandon Guyer and several other prospects for the 27-year-old Garza.
* In Kapalua, Hawaii, big-hitting Robert Garrigus holed out a wedge for eagle on the 16th hole on his way to a 10-under 63 and a one-shot lead over Carl Pettersson at the season-opening Tournament of Champions. Camilo Villegas was disqualified for a rules violation that a television viewer called in after the opening round.
* FIFA president Sepp Blatter made his strongest endorsement yet of moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to winter, saying that the players should be spared from the blistering summer heat in the desert nation.
* The March 26 exhibition game between Argentina and the United States will likely be held at New Meadowlands Stadium.