AP – Tiger Woods intends to remain out of golf at least until the Masters, two people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press.

AP – Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen, who helped form one of the NFL’s greatest defensive lines before embarking on a successful career in television, died Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 69.

AP – Labeled fierce for his relentless play as a Hall of Fame defensive lineman, Merlin Olsen was also gentle enough for a role on one of television’s most wholesome shows and as a spokesman in a well-known flower ad campaign.

AP – Chris Wright scored 27 points and No. 22 Georgetown sailed past No. 3 Syracuse with an impressive second-half surge, beating the top-seeded Orange 91-84 in the Big East tournament quarterfinals Thursday.

AP – Alex Rodriguez may soon be talking to federal authorities, and he hopes it will happen close to spring training.

AP – Jason Kidd had 20 points and nine assists, Caron Butler added 16 points, and the Dallas Mavericks recovered from a lethargic start to match the NBA’s longest winning streak this season with their 13th straight victory, 96-87 over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night.

AP – With a healthy Luke Harangody back in top form, Notre Dame stopped Seton Hall in its run-and-gun tracks to take another big step toward the NCAA tournament.

AP – On his first day as Dodgers interim manager, hitting coach Don Mattingly said Wednesday that the team has made overtures about him eventually becoming Joe Torre’s permanent replacement.

AP – Six years after he was traded away for the final pieces of Boston’s World Series puzzle, Nomar Garciaparra finally got a friendly farewell from the Red Sox.

AP – Nomar Garciaparra rejoined the Red Sox for one day and then retired, ending a 14-year career in which he won two batting titles with Boston and was once a beloved player in the city.