PHOENIX — The Arizona Cardinals granted running back Edgerrin James‘ wish to be released Tuesday and cut two others who played significant roles in the team’s run to the Super Bowl.
While James’ move was anticipated, the release of cornerback Rod Hood and defensive end Travis LaBoy was not.
The moves clear salary-cap space for the Cardinals, who want to sign new deals with linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Adrian Wilson, and eventually with unhappy wide receiver Anquan Boldin.
James, who had one year left, at $5 million, on his four-year, $40 million contract, had 794 carries for 2,895 yards and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons in Arizona.
• Brett Favre has been released from the reserve-retired list by the New York Jets, making the three-time MVP quarterback free to sign with any team if he decides to again come out of retirement.
• San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles signed the $6,621,000 million contract he was tendered as the team’s franchise player.
Wade vows to play tonight
MIAMI — Heat guard Dwyane Wade, slowed by a sore and stiff back, said he will play tonight against the Atlanta Hawks in a pivotal Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
“I’ll be ready,” Wade said.
Meanwhile, Heat forward Jamario Moon will miss the rest of the postseason because of a sports hernia that will require surgery.
Penguins reward Bylsma
PITTSBURGH — The Penguins officially named Dan Bylsma their head coach after his arrival sparked Pittsburgh to an 18-3-4 record over their last 25 regular-season games and a first-round playoff series victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
• Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk joined fellow centers Mike Richards of Philadelphia and Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler as finalists for the Selke Trophy, given to the NHL’s top defensive forward. The winner will be announced June 18.
Footnotes.
The International Olympic Committee said six athletes from the Beijing Olympics have been nabbed by retesting their blood samples for CERA, an advanced version of the blood-boosting hormone EPO. The IOC did not identify the athletes or sports involved, though Italian news agency ANSA reported Davide Rebellin, silver medalist in cycling’s road race, had tested positive.
• Chelsea held host Barcelona to a 0-0 tie in the first leg of the European Champions League semifinals.
• Danny Kladis, the oldest former Indianapolis 500 driver, died Sunday in Joliet, Ill. He was 92.
• Lance Armstrong will compete in the Tour of the Gila after USA Cycling reached an agreement with the International Cycling Union.
• Former French Open finalist Guillermo Coria retired from tennis at age 27.
• The 10-team Western Collegiate Hockey Association lifted its moratorium on expansion, with Bemidji State among its possible suitors. Commissioner Bruce McLeod said the Denver-based conference will be more aggressive in pursuing a 12th school to accompany the Beavers into the mix.
The Associated Press
