Report: Exam shows Griffin tore ligaments
WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Magnetic scans indicate Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has sustained partially torn knee ligaments, the Washington Post reported Monday.
The rookie signal-caller suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday's NFC wild card round playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He was removed from the game after being helped off the field.
The newspaper, citing several people with knowledge of the magnetic resonance imaging test results, said Griffin has suffered partial tears of the anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments of his right knee.
Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan didn't specify the extent of Griffin's injury during a press conference Monday, saying only he was set to be examined Tuesday by orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Florida.
The coach said the exam would determine whether the MRI results showed new or previous injuries -- Griffin also suffered a torn ACL in the knee while playing for Baylor University in 2009.
Colts coach Arians released from hospital
BALTIMORE, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has been discharged from a Baltimore hospital, the Indianapolis Star reported Monday.
Arians, 60, was hospitalized with an undisclosed illness Saturday before the Colts' AFC wild card playoff loss to the Ravens.
The newspaper, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, said Arians was released Monday from the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center where he had been extensively tested.
The source said all tests were negative, and that Arians was returning home.
It's believed the coach was suffering from an inner-ear infection, the Star said.
Arians guided the Colts to a 9-3 record as acting head coach in the absence of Chuck Pagano, who was excused while battling leukemia.
Arians is thought to be a candidate for several current head coaching vacancies around the league.
Pacers hand extension to Coach Vogel
INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Third-year Indiana Pacers Coach Frank Vogel has been signed to a contract extension, the team said Monday.
Terms of the deal weren't announced as per club policy.
Vogel got the vote of confidence after taking the club into the playoffs in each of the past two seasons and guiding them to a Central Division-best 20-14 record so far in the current campaign.
"This is a good deal for Frank and the franchise," Pacers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh said. "Frank has done a great job turning our team around since he became coach and deserves the chance to continue the work he and his staff have started."
Vogel has compiled 62-38 record in his tenure at the helm, including a trip to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.
"I'm honored that Donnie, Kevin (General Manager Pritchard) and Mr. Simon (owner Herb Simon) have such belief and faith in me to be their coach in the foreseeable future," Vogel said.
Rangers sign Lance Berkman to 1-year deal
ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Free agent first baseman/designated hitter Lance Berkman has signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, the team said Monday.
Berkman's deal includes a club option for 2014 and is reportedly contingent on the 14-year veteran passing a medical exam.
The six-time all-star played only 32 games last season while battling a torn knee cartilage, hitting .259 with two homers and seven RBI in 81 at-bats for the St. Louis Cardinals.
He helped lead the Cards to a World Series championship the previous season.
Berkman boasts a lifetime average of .296 with 360 home runs and 1,200 RBI in 1,806 games with Houston (1999-2010), the Yankees (2010) and Cardinals (2011-12).
