Alabama gives Saban raise, extension
TUSCALOOSA, Ala., March 26 (UPI) -- University of Alabama football Coach Nick Saban has received a raise and a contract extension through 2020, school officials announced Monday.
Saban, coming off his second national title in three years, will average $5.62 million per year under the new contract, ranging from $5.32 million in 2012 (a $550,000 raise) to $5.97 million in 2019, ESPN reported.
The 60-year-old mentor's deal -- which makes him college football's highest-paid coach -- was approved Monday by the compensation committee of the university's board of trustees.
The Crimson Tide have gone 55-12 since Saban was hired as coach in 2007.
He has guided the team to FBS titles following the 2009 and '11 seasons.
Canucks: Daniel Sedin has concussion
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 26 (UPI) -- Vancouver Canucks forward Daniel Sedin sustained a concussion when he was elbowed in the head last week, Coach Alain Vigneault said Monday.
"Daniel obviously has a concussion and we're following the protocol with it," Vigneault told reporters. "I'm not going to address this every day. He has a concussion and when we get something more to say, we'll say it."
Sedin was injured Wednesday in a game against Chicago when the Blackhawks' Duncan Keith delivered a blow to his head in a hit denounced by Vigneault as a "cheap shot."
The NHL suspended Keith for five games Friday.
Canucks captain Henrik Sedin, Daniel's twin brother, told the Vancouver Sun Daniel's spirits "are always good. He's the most positive person you can meet. He thinks it's always sunny in Vancouver so that's the kind of guy he is."
Daniel Sedin was to miss his third straight game Monday when the Northwest Division champion Canucks were to play the Los Angeles Kings.
Horse trainer Baffert has heart attack
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, March 26 (UPI) -- Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert was hospitalized in the United Arab Emirates Monday after an apparent heart attack, a racing industry official said.
The 59-year-old trainer was in the Middle East preparing Game On Dude and The Factor for the Dubai World Cup.
Baffert became ill Sunday night and was taken to a hospital Monday morning. Doctors inserted two stints in arteries to relieve blockages.
"We're all very concerned about Bob's health and we're glad to hear that his condition is stable and his outlook is good," Santa Anita Chief Executive Officer Mark Verge said. "On the other hand, and I'm sure Bob would appreciate this, we're also very glad to learn that Bob's got a heart! We understand his signature white mane is intact and we're hoping he can get back to cracking jokes and being the most-recognized guy in our sport as soon as possible."
Verge said it was his understanding Baffert's doctors have given him "a very favorable prognosis."
"We look forward to getting Bob back here at Santa Anita as soon as possible and we wish both him and Jill [Baffert's wife] and their entire family all the best during this difficult time," Verge said.
Baffert -- who won the Eclipse Award in 1997, 1998 and 1999 -- has trained winners in all three U.S. Triple Crown races, seven Breeders' Cup races and two Dubai World Cup events.
Reports: K-State coach S. Carolina-bound
COLUMBIA, S.C., March 26 (UPI) -- Kansas State basketball Coach Frank Martin will be the next basketball coach at the University of South Carolina, two newspapers reported Monday.
The (Columbia, S.C.) State and The Kansas City (Mo.) Star reported sources said Martin will be formally introduced Tuesday as the Gamecocks' coach.
Martin, 46, has a 117-54 record in five seasons with the Wildcats.
University of South Carolina trustees said Monday they would take up a "contractual matter" Tuesday. The special session will be held via teleconference, The (Charleston) Post and Courier reported.
Gamecocks Athletic Director Eric Hyman is looking to replace Darrin Horn, who was fired March 13 after four years at the school, including three straight losing seasons.
Sporting News reported during the weekend that South Carolina had asked Kansas State for permission to talk to Martin, who guided the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament four times.
"We have had conversations," Richard Katz, Martin's agent, told the Star.
Martin is under contract with Kansas State through 2015 at a salary of $1.55 million per year, on average, with a $1 million buyout.
Horn made $1.1 million a year and South Carolina owes him a $2.4 million buyout, The Post and Courier said.
Wichita State Coach Gregg Marshall had been considered a likely candidate at South Carolina, but it was announced Saturday he would stay at State at a higher salary.
