NFL: Pagano wins George Halas Award
The Professional Football Writers Association selected Colts coach Chuck Pagano as its George Halas Award winner for overcoming adversity.
Hired in January 2012, Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia in September and took a leave of absence after three games. He watched games from his bed, communicated with players and assistants and scoured game film on his computer. The Colts responded with an improbable run to the playoffs.
Tennis: Vesnina eliminates Ivanovic
Elena Vesnina of Russia beat seventh-seeded Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, in the first round of the grass-court Aegon International.
Earlier, 2011 champion Marion Bartoli of France beat Italy’s Flavia Pennetta.
SOCCER: Cosmos to play in Newtown benefit
The New York Cosmos’ first game in their latest incarnation will be in New Britain, Conn., as part of a charity doubleheader tonight at 7:30 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting the Newtown Parent Connection. The Connection supports the community, especially in family and youth peer support, all the more important after the tragic events of Dec. 14.
The Cosmos — returning to the NASL this summer — face the Newtown Pride of the Connecticut Soccer League at Veterans Memorial Stadium, after the MLS’ New England Revolution play the Pro Real Boston Rams of the USL.
“When I heard the Cosmos were going to be part of a fundraiser for that community, I was excited and happy to be a part of that,’’ Cosmos defender Hunter Freeman said.
ETC.: Oregon State, Mississippi State win
Oregon State used a seven-run fourth inning to break open the game against mistake-prone Louisville, and the Beavers stayed alive in the College World Series with an 11-4 victory.
The No. 3 national seed Beavers (51-12) play another elimination game tomorrow against Indiana (49-15).
Mississippi State took control of its bracket with a 5-4 victory over Indiana. The Bulldogs (50-18) need one win to reach next week’s best-of-three finals. They’re off until Friday, when they’ll play the Indiana-Oregon State winner.
The Nuggets announced that Tim Connelly, 36, the former assistant general manager of New Orleans, will be their new general manager. He’ll take over for Masai Ujiri, who left to become general managers of the Raptors.
Tennis great Gene Mako, who won four major doubles titles and was ranked in the world top 10 during the 1930s, has died in Southern California. He was 97 years old.