Sports shorts Mavericks will honor Romo

Tony Romo will wear No. 9 one more time.

The Dallas Mavericks are planning a tribute and “very special sports experience” for the retiring Cowboys quarterback before their final home game.

Two people with knowledge of the plan told The Associated Press that Romo would be in uniform wearing his familiar number on a Mavericks jersey while sitting on the bench. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because details of the tribute haven’t been released.

While declining to offer details, coach Rick Carlisle said in a text message Saturday that he and owner Mark Cuban “very much look forward to honoring one of Dallas’ all-time best athletes and people with a very special sports experience.”

Dallas is currently carrying 14 players, and the maximum is 15, leaving room for the honorary player. Already eliminated from the playoffs with their first losing record in the 17 full seasons that Cuban has owned them, the Mavericks play Denver in their home finale Tuesday night.

Brad Thiessen turned away all 31 shots sent his way, leading the Monsters to a 4-0 win over visiting Grand Rapids. Sonny Milano scored twice and had an assists for the monsters (37-284-4). Joe Pendeza and Markus Hannikainen also found the back of the net.

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a $69 million, five-year contract extension with cornerback Desmond Trufant, locking up another key member for the team that won the NFC championship.

The deal was Atlanta’s top priority of the offseason and includes $42 million in guaranteed money. GM Thomas Dimitroff says the 2013 first-round pick “has improved each year and we believe his best ball is still in front of him.”