TEPPER GOES TO WORK AS PANTHERS’ OWNER
N.C.» The Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, announced the sale of the franchise to David Tepper has closed.
Tepper becomes only the second owner in team history. He started work Monday.
Tepper, the founder and president of global hedge fund Appaloosa Management, L.P., bought the team from founder Jerry Richardson for $2.2 billion — the most ever paid for an NFL franchise. Richardson put the team up for sale in December after reports of sexual and racial misconduct in the workplace, which the league later confirmed.
Tepper said in a release Monday he’s thrilled to begin a “new era” in Carolina.
NFL owners approved of the sale to Tepper on May 22 at the spring meetings in Atlanta.
The Panthers also announced Tina Becker, who was appointed as chief operating officer by Richardson in December, has resigned.
Cowboys CB White indicted.
TEXAS» Dallas Cowboys cornerback Marquez White was indicted on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in what he described as a road-rage incident in suburban Dallas.
White, 23, said in a statement to his hometown newspaper, the Dothan Eagle in Alabama, that a motorist became angry with White as he drove home in October. White says he pulled a handgun when the motorist appeared to be reaching for his own. He says the other driver followed him home and yelled racial slurs at him.
White, who is black, was indicted by a Collin County grand jury in early June and arrested June 15. He later posted bond and was released.
James, Lakers make it official.
It’s official. LeBron is a Laker. The Los Angeles Lakers announced the signing of LeBron James as a free agent, confirming the seismic shift created by the four-time NBA most valuable player’s decision to leave Cleveland for the 16-time champion franchise on the West Coast.
James’ representatives at Klutch Sports Group tweeted a photo of James signing his contract with Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. James’ agency already announced last week that the superstar had agreed to a four-year deal worth $153.3 million with Los Angeles.
Pelicans sign Payton, re-sign Clark.
ORLEANS» The New Orleans Pelicans NEW signed free-agent guard Elfrid Payton and re-signed guard Ian Clark.
New Orleans announced the roster moves along with the formal signing of former Lakers forward Julius Randle, who agreed last week to a twoyear contract worth about $18 million. Payton and Clark each have signed for one year.
Kariya, Niedermayer honored.
CALIF.» The Anaheim Ducks ANAHEIM, will retire the numbers of Paul Kariya and Scott Niedermayer during the upcoming season.
Teemu Selanne’s No. 8 is the only number previously retired by the Ducks, who are heading into their 25th NHL season.
Kariya’s No. 9 will go into the Honda Center rafters on Oct. 21, and Niedermayer’s No. 27 will be raised Feb. 17.
Islanders get Czech forward Kovar.
YORK» The New York Islanders NEW agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with Czech forward Jan Kovar.
Kovar chose the Isles among several teams interested in signing him.
Kovar, 28, played the past five seasons in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League with Magnitogorsk Metallurg.
Sarkisian loses suit against USC.
ANGELES» Former USC head football LOS coach Steve Sarkisian lost a $30 million lawsuit that claimed he was improperly fired by the school instead of being allowed to seek treatment for alcoholism.