Sports world aids in Haiti relief effort

NEW YORK, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The NFL has joined Major League Baseball and others donating money and supplies to the relief effort in earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

The NFL's management and players' union have pledged a combined $1 million to the American Red Cross and Partners In Health relief organizations. The league and its network partners also will run pre-game and in-game messages this weekend valued at $1.5 million to promote donations.

Major League Baseball, the World Series champion New York Yankees and the Houston Astros have donated $1 million each.

"It is difficult for us to imagine the catastrophic toll this earthquake has taken on the people of Haiti," Major League Commissioner Bud Selig told MLB.com, baseball's Web site. "We hope this contribution will help aid in the relief efforts and we encourage our fans to make a donation as well."

Elsewhere, the NHL donated $100,000, and NBA star Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers, a Haiti native, gave a $100,000 personal check before Friday's contest against Sacramento.