FOOTBALL: Bryant says he’ll play Sunday
Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant said he will play with a broken finger Sunday against the Steelers. Bryant was listed as a limited participant in practice yesterday, an upgrade from a day earlier, when he sat out. Bryant caught some passes yesterday and said afterward the “only thing y’all need to know is I’m playing.”
Saints assistant head coach Joe Vitt said witnesses in the NFL’s bounty investigation of his team’s pay-for-pain system lied about him and the organization and their stories might change in federal court.
Skip Holtz, fired last week at South Florida, accepted the head-coachig job at Louisiana Tech.
MLB: Dempster, Red Sox agree to deal
The Red Sox have agreed to terms with RHP Ryan Dempster on a two-year contract worth $26.5 million, sources said. ….The Reds and free-agent infielder Jack Hannahan finalized a $4 million, two-year contract.
ETC.: Popovic shares Aussie PGA lead
Daniel Popovic, who nearly gave up golf to care for his ill father, shot a 2-under 70 today to maintain a share of the lead with China’s Zhang Xijun (67) after two rounds of the Australian PGA in Coolum.
Gregory Bourdy of France shot a 6-under 66 for a one-stroke lead over Charl Schwartzel in the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Malelane, South Africa.
Defender Rafa Marquez was released by the Red Bulls following 2 1/2 frustrating seasons and immediately signed with Leon of the Mexican league.
The Grizzlies hired ESPN.com writer John Hollinger as their new VP of basketball operations . Hollinger invented statistics including a player efficiency rating and other analytical tools to predict performance.