College basketball

Eric Dickerson has signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Rams, reuniting the famous running back with his first NFL franchise. The Rams formalized the deal at their training complex, with Dickerson wearing his Hall of Fame blazer to complete the paperwork.

Dickerson set the single-season NFL rushing record and suited up for four playoff teams during his tenure with the Rams from 1983-87. He is still among the most popular players in franchise history, with his jersey frequently outnumbering those of any current player in the Coliseum stands.

Jud Heathcote, who led Michigan State and Magic Johnson to the 1979 NCAA championship, died. He was 90.

The school announced Heathcote died Monday in Spokane, Washington.

Spartans coach Tom Izzo was hired by Heathcote as a part-time assistant in 1983. With Heathcote’s support, Izzo was promoted to replace him when he retired in 1995.

“The basketball world is a sadder place today with the passing of Jud Heathcote,” Izzo said. “No one cared more about the welfare of the game than Jud. He was a coach’s coach and a mentor to many.

“Our hearts are filled with sadness and deepest sympathy for his wife Beverly and the Heathcote family. Michigan State has lost one of its icons today. And yet, nothing can erase his impact on the program, the players he coached and the coaches he mentored. Spartan basketball is what it is today because of Jud Heathcote.”