The Mercury News

Ex-49ers star Owens to give Hall of Fame speech at alma mater

- By The Associated Press

Former 49ers star Terrell Owens has decided to celebrate his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at Chattanoog­a, where he played college football.

The former NFL All-Pro receiver, who has said he was not attending the induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, released a statement on Tuesday saying he would give his acceptance speech at his alma mater.

“I have decided to give my Hall of Fame speech at the University of Tennessee at Chattanoog­a in McKenzie Arena on Saturday, August 4,” Owens posted on Twitter. “The event, which is free and open to the public, starts at 3:17 p.m.”

Owens added that he is “proud to be a Moc, and I’m honored to be able to share this experience with my family, friends, teammates and fans at the place that provided me an opportunit­y beyond high school and where I truly began to find myself as an athlete.”

The 44-year-old Owens said he is looking forward to the event, and “Getcha popcorn ready.”

Owens was a threesport athlete at Chattanoog­a, where he played football from 1992-95. He also played basketball and ran track for the Mocs.

He was voted into the hall in February after being denied in his first two years of eligibilit­y. EDELMAN SUSPENSION OFFICIAL >> New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman will miss the first four games of the 2018 season for violating NFL policy on performanc­e-enhancing substances. NFL officials confirmed Tuesday that Edelman would be suspended without pay. ESPN reported last month that Edelman was facing a four-game suspension.

Edelman, 32, missed the 2017 season with a torn right anterior cruciate ligament. He had 98 receptions in 2016.

NBA

BRADLEY STAYING WITH CLIPPERS >> Avery Bradley has agreed to a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Yahoo Sports, which first reported the agreement, said the contract will be worth $25 million. Bradley played in 46 games last season between the Detroit Pistons and the Clippers.

MORE DEALS >> The Utah Jazz agreed to terms with Dante Exum on a threeyear extension that will be worth around $33 million. ... Tyreke Evans has decided to sign with the Indiana Pacers on a one-year deal that will be worth $12 million for next season . ... Jeff Green is heading to the Washington Wizards on a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum of $2.4 million ... Michael Carter-Williams will join the Houston Rockets on a one-year minimum deal.

NHL

RICHARDSON STAYING WITH COYOTES >> The Arizona Coyotes brought back Brad Richardson, signing the center to a two-year, $2.5 million contract. The 33-yearold Richardson has played three seasons in Arizona, with 19 goals and 36 assists. He had three goals and 12 assists in 76 games last season.

ALSO >> Matt Martin is going back to the New York Islanders. The Toronto Maple Leafs have dealt the forward to the Islanders, who drafted him in 2008. The Leafs get minor-league goalie Eamon McAdam in the deal. The Islanders also agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with goalie Robin Lehner . ... Left wing Remi Elie signed a $735,000 contract to stay with the Dallas Stars . ... The Boston Bruins re-signed forward Sean Kuraly to a three-year deal. The contract has an annual cap hit of $1.275 million, the team said . ... The Nashville Predators signed forward Colin Blackwell to a two-year, two-way contract. Blackwell will make $650,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 at the American Hockey League in 201819. He will get $700,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL in 2019-20.

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