NFL: Steelers to franchise tag Bell

The Steelers will use the franchise tag on running back Le’Veon Bell for the second straight season before Tuesday’s deadline, according to reports. Bell, who had hoped to land a long-term deal with the team, is set to make $14.544 million under the tag in 2018.

There is no guarantee Bell, who floated retirement in January if tagged again, will sign the contract. The Raiders released pass rusher Aldon

Smith after his latest run-in with the law. Oakland retained Smith’s contractual rights even as he spent the past two seasons on the NFL’s suspended list. But the team decided finally to cut ties one day after San Francisco police said authorities were searching for Smith in connection with a domestic violence allegation. The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on

DeMarcus Lawrence, guaranteeing the defensive end $17.5 million in 2018, according to reports. Marist dismissed men’s basketball coach

Mike Maker after 28 wins over four seasons, the school announced. The school will begin a national search for its fifth coach in 12 seasons. In Asheville, N.C., Demetrius Troy and Jordy

Kuiper each scored 13 points to lead top-seeded UNC Greensboro to a 62-47 win over No. 2 East Tennessee State in the Southern Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The victory avenges a loss in last year’s title game to East Tennessee.

Azura Stevens had 21 points and 13 rebounds to lead top-ranked UConn to a 75-21 rout of Cincinnati in the AAC semifinals at Mohegan Sun. The Huskies (31-0), who have now won 100 games against AAC opponents without a loss since the league began play in 2013, will play No. 19 USF in Tuesday’s final.