NFL: Payton no place for Spagnuolo
The Saints fired defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo after one season — a record-setting year in the wrong way. New Orleans ranked last in the NFL in total defense and run defense, yielding the most yards (7,042) ever in a single season. The Saints went 7-9 this season and allowed 454 points. Payton also fired secondary coach Ken Flajole.
Rob Ryan, fired by the Cowboys as their defensive coordinator, was hired by the Rams to run their defense, a source told ESPN.com.
MLB: Fans flock to pay Musial respects
Thousands of fans turned out in St. Louis for Stan Musial’s public visitation at the ornate Roman Catholic church. Family, close friends and perhaps some of baseball’s biggest names will be back at the cathedral for a funeral tomorrow.
The Reds have invited 22-year-old outfielder Billy Hamilton, who set a professional record with 155 steals last season, to spring training. He split between Single-A and Double-A. The Reds plan to start him at Triple-A Louisville this season.
Pedro Martinez has joined the Red Sox as a special advisor to general manager Ben Cherington.
HOOPS: Michigan wins, could move to No.1
Trey Burke had 15 points as No. 2 Michigan (18-1, 5-1 Big Ten) beat Purdue. The Wolverines have a chance to move to No. 1 in the next AP poll if it can win at Illinois on Sunday. … Shabazz Muhammad scored 23 points to give UCLA (16-4, 6-1 Pac-12) an 84-73 win at No. 6 Arizona (16-2, 4-2).
Kenneth Ortiz’s steal and layup with 27.4 seconds left gave Wagner (10-8, 4-3) a 52-50 win at Mount St. Mary’s in a Northeast Conference game.
Lakers center Dwight Howard, who aggravated his right shoulder injury in Wednesday’s game at Memphis, was examined yesterday in Los Angeles by shoulder specialist Dr. James Tibone, who confirmed there is no further damage and cleared the center to play. He is expected to start tonight when the Lakers play host to the Jazz.
SOCCER: Petke named Red Bulls’ coach
The Red Bulls have removed the interim tag and named Mike Petke, 36, the team’s coach.