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Carolina lineman Kevin Donnalley retires

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Thirty-five-year-old Carolina Panthers' offensive lineman Kevin Donnalley announced his retirement Monday.

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"I have been blessed to play for 13 years in the NFL," Donnalley said. "Although this was a difficult decision, I feel confident this is the right time for me to retire. It has been an honor for me to end my career at home in North Carolina as a Carolina Panther."

Donnalley was with the Panthers three years. He also played for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins.

"Kevin's professionalism, both on and off the field, has been as asset to our football team," Panthers Coach John Fox said. "He was a leader on the field and in the locker room and served as a great example for our young offensive lineman."


Alex Rodriguez becomes a Yankee

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NEW YORK, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Home run-hitting Gold Glove infielder Alex Rodriguez became a member of the New York Yankees Monday.

The Rodriguez trade by the Texas Rangers for Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named became official after receiving approval from Major League Baseball. Earlier, it had been OK'd by the players' union.

Rodriguez is expected to be formally introduced by the Yankees at a news conference Tuesday.

It is believed the Rangers agreed to pay $67 million of the remaining $179 million left on Rodriguez's record contract.

Rodriguez, a shortstop, apparently has agreed to play third base for the Yankees because they already have Derek Jeter, their captain, at short.

Rodriguez led the American League in home runs the past three seasons and won the 2003 Most Valuable Player award, but the Rangers finished last in their division each year.

The Boston Red Sox failed late last year in an attempt to acquire Rodriguez.


Paul DePodesta named GM of Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Paul DePodesta was named general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday, replacing Dan Evans.

The change came just three days after the sale of the Dodgers to real estate developer Frank McCourt was made official.

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Evans was in the final year of a three-year contract.

DePodesta, 31, had been assistant general manager of the Oakland Athletics since 1998 and was credited with helping build a team that has made the playoffs four straight years. The Dodgers haven't made the playoffs since 1996.

McCourt bought the Los Angeles club from the Fox Entertainment Group.


Drexler heads Hall of Fame nominees

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- Former NBA great Clyde Drexler heads the 2004 list of 16 finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Others nominated include Connecticut Coach Jim Calhoun and former NBA stars Bernard King, Bobby Jones, Chet Walker and the late Gus Johnson.

Drexler, a nine-time All-Star who was nicknamed "Clyde the Glide," was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players.

The 16 finalists were announced Sunday. The final choices, those who receive enough votes to enter the hall, will be announced on April 5.

Bill Sharman, already elected to the hall as a player, was nominated as a coach. If he is chosen, he will join Lenny Wilkens and John Wooden in the hall as both a coach and player.

Others among the 16 2004 finalists are former Purdue Coach Gene Keady, Wayland Baptist Coach Harley Redin and former Kansas star Lynette Woodard. Phoenix Suns President Jerry Colangelo and broadcaster Dick Vitale were nominated as contributors and Drazen Dalipagic and Hortencia Marcari as international stars.

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Former NBA stars Johnny Kerr and the late Maurice Stokes were nominated by the veterans committee.

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