ETC.: No leave for Watson

The NFL released a statement saying Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson will not be placed on paid leave amid the league’s investigation into the allegations against him.

• The Vikings announced assistant coach Rick Dennison has been reassigned as a senior offensive advisor, allowing the 63year-old to remain with the club though his unvaccinated status prohibits him from interacting with players.

• The NBA Board of Governors gave the OK to continue the play-in tournament for the 2021-22 season. The board also approved changes to roster-related rules regarding the use of two-way players during the regular season and the maximum number of players that a team may carry on its active list for a game.

• Texas and Oklahoma made a request to join the Southeastern Conference — in 2025 — and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said the league would consider it in the “near future.”