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Stoudemire's brother killed in car crash

NEW YORK, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Hazell Stoudemire, brother of New York Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire, was killed in a car accident Monday in Florida, the team said.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Stoudemire family for their loss," the Knicks said on Twitter.

The Florida Highway Patrol said Hazell Stoudemire, 35, was driving a car that struck the rear of a tractor-trailer rig on U.S. 27 at Lake Wales, ESPN reported.

The Knicks said Amare Stoudemire would be in Florida with his family and it was unclear when he would return to the team.

"I know he's very close to his brother so my heart's out for him," Coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He cherishes his family, he does a great job of maintaining all the relationships ...This is just a trying moment for him."

Amare Stoudemire grew up in the Lake Wales area, ESPN said.

Sabres Coach Ruff breaks ribs in collision

BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Buffalo Sabres head Coach Lindy Ruff suffered broken ribs in an on-ice collision with defenseman Jordan Leopold during practice Monday, the team said.

Ruff sustained three broken ribs following the run-in with Leopold at First Niagara Center in Buffalo where the Sabres were preparing for Wednesday's contest with the Boston Bruins, a statement indicated.

The coach had to be helped off the ice but "is expected to be back tomorrow to resume his coaching responsibilities," the team said.

Leopold lost his balance while working on a 1-on-1 drill with teammate Ville Leino, sliding into Ruff from behind, The Buffalo News reported.

The Sabres coach flew into the air and landed hard on the ice, yelling out in pain, the newspaper said.

Coroner: Alcohol killed college linebacker

CLINTON, S.C., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- The weekend death of a Presbyterian College linebacker was due to alcohol intoxication, South Carolina authorities said Monday.

Following an autopsy, Laurens County Coroner Nick Nichols said Kyle L. Allen died of reduced respiration brought on by the overconsumption of alcohol, The Greenville News reported.

Hal Milam, the college's director of media relations, told the newspaper Allen was found unconscious in his room at an on-campus residence early Sunday and was taken to Laurens County Hospital in Clinton, where he was pronounced dead.

Allen was a business administration major from St. Augustine, Fla., who had transferred to the school from Georgia Southern University in 2010.

He played in all 11 of Presbyterian's games as a redshirt sophomore last season.

The case was referred to state authorities for investigation, Milam said.

Daboll to lead Chiefs' offense for Crennel

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Brian Daboll has been hired to be the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL team said Monday.

Daboll had the same job at Cleveland in 2009-10 and at Miami last season.

The Dolphins were 20th in points scored in the NFL at 20.6 points per game but that was much better than the Chiefs, who averaged 13.2 points and were next-to-last in the NFL.

"Brian is a fine football coach and offensive mind," said Kansas City Coach Romeo Crennel.

"I worked with him when he was a young coach in New England and I am proud of the way his career has developed. We had a very thorough process for this position and it was clear to me that Brian was the right choice. He was coveted by multiple teams and I am glad he will be joining our staff."

Daboll coached at William and Mary and Michigan State before moving to the NFL as a defensive coaching assistant with New England. He was on staffs with the Patriots and New York Jets before becoming the offensive coordinator at Cleveland.