CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers denied a report Monday they’ve discussed trading four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers to the New England Patriots.
The reason: They aren’t allowed to have any trade talks involving Peppers until he signs his one-year tender worth $16.7 million — or until his agent brokers a deal with another team and comes to Carolina for approval.
NFL.com, citing unidentified sources, reported the Panthers and Patriots were close to a deal that would send Peppers to the Patriots for New England’s second-round pick, 34th overall, that was acquired from the Kansas City Chiefs in the Matt Cassel trade.
“By the rules of the (collective bargaining agreement), we cannot and have not had any conversations with other teams about Julius,” Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said. “Under the nonexclusive franchise tag, Julius and his agent, Carl Carey, are within their rights to talk to other teams about a potential contract. However, at this point, we are not aware of any such conversations.”
• The Jacksonville Jaguars waived receiver Matt Jones. The former first-round draft pick was jailed last week in Arkansas for violating a plea agreement that stemmed from a drug charge in 2008. He is awaiting an April 13 court appearance.
Leitao resigns as Virginia coach
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Dave Leitao resigned as Virginia’s men’s basketball coach after the team’s worst season (10-18) in decades. Leitao won the ACC coach of the year award in 2007, when Virginia shared first place in the conference with North Carolina, but compiled a 63-60 record in his four years.
• Houston Fancher is out as coach at Appalachian State after nine seasons. He was 137-136, but the Mountaineers went 13-18 this season.
• Guard Chester Frazier is unlikely to play in Illinois’ NCAA Tournament opener Thursday against Western Kentucky because of an injured right hand.
• Bev Smith is out as coach of the Oregon women’s basketball team. The Ducks went 123-121 in eight seasons under Smith.
Mackey retains lead in Iditarod
KOYUK, Alaska — Lance Mackey remained in the driver’s seat in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, arriving first in the village of Koyuk and holding about a five-hour lead over Sebastian Schnuelle with Nome and the finish line 171 miles away.
Footnotes.
Tiger Woods and John Cook teamed for a 9-under-par 63 to defeat Henrik Stenson and Chris DiMarco in the opening fourballs match in leading Isleworth to a 6-4 lead over Lake Nona in the Tavistock Cup in Orlando, Fla.
• Golden State Warriors swingman Stephen Jackson was suspended one game without pay by the NBA for receiving his 16th technical foul this season during Saturday’s 154-130 loss to the Phoenix Suns.
• Sacramento Kings guard Bobby Jackson will undergo surgery to repair a broken cheekbone.
• Jo Jackson set a world record in the 400-meter freestyle, clocking 4 minutes, 0.66 seconds at the British swimming championships in Sheffield, England.
The Associated Press
