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An NFL spokesman says the league could change its overtime format for playoff games at a meeting next month. Greg Aiello said Satuday that under the new format, both teams would get the ball at least once unless the first team to get the ball scores a touchdown. If the first team to get the ball makes a field goal and the other team ties the game, action would continue until a team scores again.

Information came at the players like an all-out blitz as manufacturers explained why their product was the best and safest. Though the topics were wide ranging, preventing head injuries topped the list Friday at the NFL Players Association’s second Player Safety and Welfare Summit. Some 25 players heard presentations from helmet manufacturers and medical personnel that included plenty of charts…

Three more Michigan State football players have pleaded guilty to
misdemeanor assault charges stemming from a Nov. 22 fight on campus
with fraternity members.

Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton left workouts early with a shoulder contusion.

Oregon coach Chip Kelly has suspended linebacker Kiko Alonso for
the 2010 football season.

All-Star MVP Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat is no longer in a walking boot and remains listed as day-to-day with a strained left calf.

Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Deacon Jones and former Grambling coach Eddie Robinson were among the first set of honorees inducted into the Black College hall of Fame on Saturday.

Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, Buffalo wide receiver Terrell Owens and New Orleans safety Darren Sharper are among 235 NFL players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next month.

Oregon running back LaMichael James has been arrested by
Springfield police.

Derrick Rose will play against the Knicks; Joakim Noah will not.

Victor Martinez wants an extension, but agent says negotiations have not begun.

The Vancouver Canucks were tired and a little testy, perhaps prematurely looking ahead to the Olympic break. Given seven power-play opportunities against their division rival, the Minnesota Wild took full advantage of the rough stuff with one of their best all-around games of the season. Niklas Backstrom got his first win in three weeks, and the Wild scored three of their four power-play goals…

A toxicology report shows defensive end Gaines Adams had marijuana and alcohol in his system when he died. But Greenwood County Coroner Jim Coursey says nothing found in the report contributed to Adams’ death.

Joey Porter’s widely anticipated parting with the Miami Dolphins has been delayed by a bizarre hitch. The Dolphins announced the release of the disgruntled linebacker Friday. Less than three hours later, they said the move was “determined to be an invalid termination.” Therefore, he reverted to the Dolphins’ roster — for now.

Fred Schaus, a former Los Angeles Lakers coach and general manager who mentored Jerry West and Hot Rod Hundley at West Virginia, has died. He was 84. The former West Virginia coach and athletic director died Wednesday night in Morgantown, W.Va., said Dan Hastings, a funeral director at Hastings Funeral Home.

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press
that the Atlanta Braves have made an offer to free agent outfielder
Johnny Damon.

Jacque Jones has returned to the Minnesota Twins, agreeing to a minor league contract. Jones began his major league career with Minnesota in 1999 before joining the Chicago Cubs in 2006. The outfielder's best season came in 2002, when he hit .300 with 27 homers and 85 RBIs while the Twins advanced to the AL championship series.

Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman will replace the Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy in this weekend's All-Star game. Roy injured his right hamstring last month. Roy, in his fourth season with the Blazers, made the All-Star team as a reserve for the third straight season. Kaman will be making his first All-Star appearance.