Rivers’ long run with Chargers over
Philip Rivers’ 16-year career with the Chargers has come to an end.
The franchise announced Monday that Rivers will enter free agency and not return for the upcoming season. General manager Tom Telesco said in a statement that as they talked through various scenarios with Rivers, it became apparent it would be best for both “to turn the page on what has truly been a remarkable run.”
Rivers was drafted fourth overall by the Giants in the 2004 draft but was traded to the Chargers in a draft-day deal for Eli Manning. Rivers went on to set 30 franchise records with the Chargers. His 224 consecutive regular-season starts are second-most among quarterbacks in NFL history and his 123 wins are ninth. He’s one of six quarterbacks to eclipse 50,000 career yards and his 397 touchdowns are sixth.
The Chargers pick sixth in the draft.
Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa underwent recent tests that showed his fractured hip has healed and he has good range of motion, according to reports. Tagovailoa, projected as a first-round draft pick, could return to football activities in a month. ... Suspended Browns DE Myles Garrett met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and other league officials in New York to discuss his possible reinstatement. Garrett was banned indefinitely for ripping off the helmet of Steelers QB Mason Rudolph and hitting him over the head with it during the closing seconds of a Nov. 15 game.
College football: Luke Fickell, 46, informed Michigan State that he will remain coach at Cincinnati, leaving the Spartans to resume their search to find Mark Dantonio’s replacement.
Women’s basketball: Ty Harris scored 19 points, Aliayah Boston dominated underneath and No. 1 South Carolina held No. 5 UConn to a record-low two points in the opening quarter on the way to a 70-52 win in Columbia, S.C. It was the Gamecocks’ first win over the Huskies. South Carolina (23-1) entered the game 0-8 all-time in the series. ... Tamika Catchings, Lauren Jackson and Swin Cash as well as Carol Callan (contributor), Carol Stiff (contributor), Sue Donohoe (contributor) and Debbie Brock (veteran player) will be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame on June 13.