UPI NewsTrack Sports

Exam: No damage to Rose's back

CHICAGO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- An examination of all-star guard Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls revealed no structural damage to his back, the team said Monday.

A magnetic resonance imaging exam showed no serious problems for reigning NBA MVP, who has missed two games with back spasms, a team spokesman said.

Rose -- who is averaging 22 points, 7.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds over 23 games -- remains day-to-day, the Bulls said.

Rose left Chicago's Feb. 6 game against New Jersey after playing only 11 minutes, and could manage only 22 minutes in the Bulls' rout of New Orleans two days later.

He has since missed the last two contests for Chicago, which leads the Eastern Conference with a 23-7 record.

Report: Oakland signs Cespedes

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes reached agreement with Oakland Monday on a four-year, $36 million contract, MLB.com reported.

The baseball Web site said the deal won't be officially announced until Cespedes completes a physical.

MLB.com said the contract also allows Cespedes, 26, to skip arbitration and become a free agent following the 2015 season.

The Athletics aced out several other teams that were interested in snatching up the Cuban defector who has gained residency in the Dominican Republic. Miami offered him $36 million over six years, ESPN reported.

Cespedes batted .333 with a league-record 33 home runs during the 2010-11 season in Cuba. He played center field for Cuba in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Bears' Thomas facing marijuana charge

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Chicago Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas was arrested and hit with a misdemeanor marijuana charge in West Virginia, police said Monday.

A Morgantown, W.Va., police report indicated Thomas was pulled over for allegedly going the wrong way on a one-way street at 3:55 a.m. Monday, West Virginia MetroNews Network reported.

Officers said Thomas pulled something from the glove compartment during the stop that appeared to be marijuana in two plastic containers.

The Bears released a statement Monday saying the team is "currently gathering information to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the arrest."

Thomas, who didn't appear in a game for the Bears in his rookie season, played college football for West Virginia University.

The broadcaster said he was in Morgantown to raise money for his foundation.

Ex-49ers receiver Solomon dies at 59

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Former San Francisco 49ers receiver and punt returner Freddie Solomon has died at age 59, team officials said Monday.

Solomon, who played eight seasons with the 49ers and three with the Miami Dolphins, succumbed after a battle with cancer, a statement released by the 49ers said.

Solomon played three season in Miami after being drafted by the Dolphins in 1975, and then was dealt to San Francisco, where he was a key cog in Coach Bill Walsh's West Coast offense.

Solomon finished his NFL career with 371 catches for 5,846 yards and 48 touchdowns.

"The 49ers lost a member of our family today. We'll miss you, Freddie Solomon. Our prayers go out to your family," 49ers President and Chief Executive Jed York said on Twitter.

"He inspired me to go out there every day and emulate him," ex-teammate Jerry Rice said in a statement released through the 49ers.

Solomon did volunteer work in the community following his retirement.