Heat rookie Napier undergoes hernia surgery
Miami Heat rookie guard Shabazz Napier underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia on Wednesday.
The team said he will miss the rest of the regular season, which concludes April 15. He is expected to miss at least 4-6 weeks, which leaves him questionable for any postseason action.
Napier, the team’s first-round pick last year, averaged 5.1 points, 2.5 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 51 games.
Bruins sign Czarnik
The Boston Bruins signed forward Austin Czarnik to an entry-level contract Wednesday.
Czarnik will report to the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League.
The 5-foot-9, 167-pound Czarnik finished up his senior college season at Miami of Ohio, appearing in 40 games while registering nine goals and 36 assists to lead the team with 45 points. He led the Redhawks the previous three seasons in both assists and points.
NFL to view photos from Hardy’s case
The NFL will be allowed to view seven photographs from Greg Hardy’s domestic violence case to help determine whether the former Carolina Panthers defensive end violated the league’s personal conduct policy.
The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s office in Charlotte, North Carolina, said Wednesday it will allow the NFL to see seven photos in the prosecutor’s file from Hardy’s first trial.
The NFL filed suit against the state of North Carolina and district attorney Andrew Murray in order to seek photos of injuries to Hardy’s ex-girlfriend, Nicole Holder, guns in Hardy’s Charlotte apartment and other evidence in a July 15 trial. A Mecklenburg County judge found Hardy guilty of assaulting and threatening to kill Holder.
The 26-year-old Hardy appealed the ruling by the judge and a jury trial set for Feb. 9 did not occur because Holder did not appear to testify after reportedly receiving a financial settlement from Hardy. The case was dismissed.
Verlander may miss season start
Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander, trying to recover from a cramp in his right triceps muscle, resumed throwing Wednesday but his scheduled regular-season debut in one week is now in question.
Verlander was originally scheduled to start Thursday against the New York Yankees in Lakeland, Florida, in his spring training finale. With that start called off, he could do some throwing again Thursday but will not pitch in a minor league game Friday.
The 32-year-old Verlander has never been on the disabled list in his 10-year career.
Woman recants accusation against Taylor
The woman who accused former Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Taylor of assault over the weekend has recanted her statement, according to the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, police department.
The female accuser was subsequently arrested for giving a false report. She was charged with false reporting to law enforcement and placed in county jail. She posted bond and was released.
Alabama dismissed the 6-foot-4, 335-pound Taylor from the team Sunday after he was arrested on domestic violence charges in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. He was charged with domestic violence third-degree assault and domestic violence third-degree criminal mischief.
According to police, there was sufficient evidence for the initial charges against Taylor based on the “visible marks to her” and the “damage that was observed” at the residence.
Broncos acquire Gradkowski
The Denver Broncos acquired center Gino Gradkowski on Wednesday in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens involving 2016 draft pick considerations.
According to reports, the Ravens will get Denver’s 2016 fourth-round pick in exchange for Gradkowski and Baltimore’s 2016 fifth-round selection.
Gradkowski is a fourth-year player who appeared in 40 regular-season games (16 starts) and six playoff contests in three seasons for the Ravens. He was selected by Baltimore in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of the University of Delaware.
Bengals re-sign Tate
The Cincinnati Bengals re-signed wide receiver and return specialist Brandon Tate on Wednesday.
Tate’s contract expired on March 10, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Tate is a seventh-year NFL player for 2015. He has not missed a regular-season or postseason game in the last five season, including four with the Bengals.
Texans sign Washington
The Houston Texans signed wide receiver Nate Washington on Wednesday.
It is a one-year deal worth $1 million, including $30,000 guaranteed, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Washington, 31, played his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and had played the last six with the Tennessee Titans.
His streak of 144 consecutive games played ranks first among active NFL wide receivers.
In his career, Washington has 411 receptions for 6,296 yards and 40 touchdowns.