Rangers sign Kevin Millwood
ARLINGTON, Texas, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Veteran right-handed pitcher Kevin Millwood Thursday signed a five-year contract with the Texas Rangers.
The team said on its Web site that the deal is worth $60 million and was worked out last week.
"This is a big holiday gift to Rangers fans from (owner) Tom Hicks," said General Manager Jon Daniels. "I can promise you from first-hand knowledge that there is nobody in the country more committed to making the Texas Rangers winners than Tom Hicks."
Millwood, 31, has pitched in the majors for nine seasons and has won at least 17 games three times. He pitched for Cleveland in 2005, where he was 9-11 and had the lowest ERA in the American League at 2.86.
The 6-foot-4 inch Millwood has a career record of 107-75 with a 3.76 ERA over 1,559 1/3 innings. He made the National League all-star team in 1999 while with Atlanta.
Ex-Dolphin admits guilt in 'road rage'
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Former NFL player Steve Towle pleaded guilty in a Missouri court to a felony assault charge in a September road-rage incident.
Another man suffered a severe head injury in the confrontation, The Kansas City Star said.
Towle, one-time linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, drew a five-year probation and was ordered to make restitution to the victim's family.
Towle, 52, had been accused of punching motorist Rudy Babbitt after Towle allegedly cut in front of Babbitt's car on Missouri 291 in Independence on Sept. 7 and the men got into a heated argument. Witnesses said Towle punched Babbitt, 49, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground.
Babbitt underwent at least two surgeries. He eventually was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital and is recovering at home.
Florida State player accused of rape
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Dec. 29 (UPI) -- A Florida State University football player has been accused of raping a woman at a Hollywood, Fla., hotel, police say.
Investigators have not identified the FSU player, the Miami Herald said.
"The only thing I have right now is just an allegation," said Hollywood Police Detective Carlos Negron. "There is an active investigation."
The alleged victim told police she had been sexually assaulted at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Negron said.
The Seminoles are staying at the Diplomat while preparing for the Orange Bowl game against Penn State.
Pete Carroll gets new contract from USC
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Football coach Pete Carroll of Southern California has agreed to a five-year contract extension.
The Los Angeles Daily News reported that Carroll, who has built one of the top programs in the college ranks in his five years at the Pac-10 school, will get about $3 million annually.
Before taking the USC post, Carroll had NFL head coaching stints with the New York Jets and New England.
"There's so much speculation (about a return to the NFL) and I know the rush is going to hit me again," Carroll told the newspaper. "It's a good time to let everyone know. There will be a lot of movement in the NFL and I've been subject to a lot of speculation."
Under Carroll, the Trojans, 12-0 and ranked No. 1 all season, have built a 34-game winning streak and will play for their third consecutive national title against second-ranked Texas in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4.
