Pierce opts out of Wizards contract
Forward Paul Pierce will not exercise the final year of his contract with the Washington Wizards and will become a free agent.
Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld confirmed to The Washington Post on Saturday night that Pierce opted out of his contract.
Pierce was due to make $5.5 million next season. By opting out, Pierce can either sign a new deal with the Wizards or explore opportunities with other teams.
Reportedly, Pierce is interested in the Los Angeles Clippers because he grew up nearby in Inglewood, Calif., and would be reunited with coach Doc Rivers, who he played for with the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics, Pierce’s former team, also would like to bring him back. Reports indicate the Celtics plan to pursue free agent forward Kevin Love and would like to pair him with Pierce, a 17-year NBA veteran.
76ers pay $3 million to Pelicans
The Philadelphia 76ers were forced to pay $3 million to the New Orleans Pelicans last season for failing to fully disclose guard Jrue Holiday’s leg injury before the 2013 NBA Draft, according to a report.
The Sixers did not reveal the extent of the injuries before dealing Holiday to the Pelicans for the rights to sixth overall pick Nerlens Noel, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Saturday.
The 6-foot-4 Holiday had stress fractures in his lower right leg during the 2012-13 season with the Sixers. He continues to have leg issues with the Pelicans.
During the 2013-14 season with New Orleans, Holiday was limited to 34 games because of a stress fracture in his right tibia. Last season, he missed 41 consecutive games with a stress reaction in his right lower leg.
Ole Miss football player charged with domestic violence
Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was arrested and charged with domestic violence against his stepfather on Friday in Oxford, Miss.
Tunsil, an All-Southeastern Conference pick last year who enters his junior season as one of the top players in the country, was with his mother, Desiree Tunsil, at her home when the alleged incident took place Thursday.
According to reports, the stepfather, Lindsey Miller, shoved Tunsil’s mother and the 6-foot-5, 305-pound son stepped in to defend her.
No other details of the arrest will be available until Monday, according to the Oxford Police Department.
But Miller told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger that he didn’t push Tunsil’s mother and said Tunsil started the fight after an argument. Miller also said Tunsil hit him six to seven times.
On Friday, Miller was granted a request by Lafayette County judge Mickey Avent for a restraining order against Tunsil.
Yankees demote Petit, recall Rogers
The New York Yankees optioned infielder Gregorio Petit to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.
Petit is hitting .184 with five RBIs in 18 games this season.
The Yankees also selected right-handed relief pitcher Esmil Rogers to the 25-man roster from Triple-A. He has a 6.27 ERA over 33 innings in 18 games this season with the Yankees..
In addition, the team transferred outfielder Slade Heathcott to the 60-day disabled list. He has been out since May 27 with a quad strain.