Football
Improper questions at combine? — The NFL says it will look into whether questions asked of Colorado tight end Nick Kasa at the combine violated any laws or league policies banning employers from inquiring about a possible employee’s sexual orientation. Kasa told ESPN Radio in Denver that during interviews with team officials at the combine in Indianapolis: “(Teams) ask you, like, ‘Do you have a girlfriend?’ ‘Are you married?’ ‘Do you like girls?’ " He did not identify who asked him such questions. The NFL says it will look into Kasa’s comments and that “any team or employee that inquires about impermissible subjects or makes an employment decision based on such factors is subject to league discipline."
’Bama players dismissed — Four players for two-time defending national champion Alabama have been dismissed from school following their arrests after two robberies on campus. University spokeswoman Deborah Lane said Wednesday that linebackers D.J. Pettway and Tyler Hayes, safety Eddie Williams and H-back Brent Calloway are no longer enrolled after a judicial review. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban had earlier said the players “are no longer associated with the football program."
NCAA found $170K to Miami — The NCAA is alleging that former Miami booster Nevin Shapiro was responsible for providing about $170,000 in impermissible benefits to Hurricanes athletes, recruits, coaches and others between 2002 and 2010. Shapiro allegedly spent more than half that amount — at least $90,000 — in an effort to get NFL players Vince Wilfork and Antrel Rolle to sign with a sports agency he was involved with, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity because neither Miami nor the NCAA has publicly released the allegations.
Soccer
MLS elite by 2022? — Major League Soccer is giving itself a date and setting a goal — it wants to be considered among the world’s premier soccer leagues by 2022. MLS commissioner Don Garber believes it’s obtainable, even if it’s ambitious. “I think the plan has been in place for some time, now we have given ourselves a very targeted goal and it’s a bold one," Garber said in an interview with The Associated Press this week. “It’s not going to be easy to achieve it but it’s one we’re very confident if we stay focused and things continue to align for us as they have the last couple of years." Garber announced Wednesday an outline for what he believes it will take for MLS to be recognized among the planet’s elite soccer leagues, one that calls for major capital investment in player development, including youth programs, training for coaches and infrastructure improvements at training facilities.
Basketball
Hibbert, Lee suspended — Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert and Golden State Warriors forward David Lee have each been suspended a game without pay for starting an altercation during their game that drifted into the stands. Three other players were fined for the incident in the fourth quarter of Indiana’s 108-97 home win Tuesday. Hibbert was ejected after the skirmish, which began when he and Lee exchanged shoves after a missed shot. The NBA said Wednesday that the Warriors’ Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and the Pacers’ Lance Stephenson were fined $35,000 each for escalating the fight.
— From wire reports