Vonn, Woods confirm they're dating
NEW YORK, March 18 (UPI) -- Elite U.S. athletes Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods -- she a gold medal skier, he a championship golfer -- said on Facebook and Twitter Monday they are dating.
But while the sports royalty couple made the announcement to a combined audience of nearly 6.5 million people, Vonn and Woods requested they be granted privacy by the public with Woods saying they wanted to live "as an ordinary couple."
Woods, 37, and Vonn, 28 -- both divorced -- said their relationship sprouted from a friendship over the past few months, The New York Times reported.
The newspaper said Woods wrote on his Facebook page not only has his golf game been great with PGA Tour wins at Torrey and Doral, but "something nice that's happened off the course was meeting Lindsey Vonn."
"Lindsey and I have been friends for some time, but over the last few months we have become very close and are now dating," Woods said. "We thank you for your support and for respecting our privacy. We want to continue our relationship, privately, as an ordinary couple and continue to compete as athletes."
He also posted four photos of them.
NFL to pay $42M into retired players' fund
PHOENIX, March 18 (UPI) -- The NFL has agreed to pay $42 million into a benefit fund for retired players after settling a lawsuit brought over the use of players' images in NFL films.
Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement Monday at the start of owners meetings in Phoenix while sharing a podium with Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown and 16 other retired players.
The "Common Good Fund" will be used "to support retired players who are in need," Goodell said, including "medical, housing or any other form of assistance in transitioning players in one stage of life to another."
Known as the Fred Dryer litigation, the players filed the class action suit against the NFL in 2009 challenging the use of retired player images in NFL Films footage and seeking compensation.
James Madison star arrested, suspended
HARRISONBURG, Va., March 18 (UPI) -- James Madison University star player Rayshawn Goins Monday was suspended for the first half of the Dukes' upcoming NCAA Tournament game after an arrest.
A statement released by the school's athletics department indicated Coach Matt Brady had suspended Goins two days before Wednesday's first-round contest between James Madison and Long Island-Brooklyn at Dayton, Ohio.
"After having thoroughly reviewed the details in this case, the athletic administration supports Coach Brady's decision," the statement read.
Goins was charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and attempting to intimidate or impede law enforcement Sunday after an incident in which police were called to help break up an "out-of-control" party near the JMU campus, the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg, Va., reported.
The arrest came only hours after the Dukes learned they had been chosen for the NCAA Tournament and would face LIU-Brooklyn in a first-round game.
Titans release veteran QB Hasselbeck
NASHVILLE, March 18 (UPI) -- Veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been released by the Tennessee Titans, General Manager Ruston Webster announced Monday.
Hasselbeck started five game last season when starter Jake Locker suffered a shoulder injury, finishing with 1,367 passing yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games overall.
The 37-year-old started all 16 games for the Titans in 2011.
"I want to thank Matt for his contributions to our team over the last two years," Webster said. "He was an important part of the transition process -- he was a pro at every turn and he provided an example to the rest of the team."
Over his 14-year NFL, Hasselbeck has thrown for 34,517 yards with 201 touchdowns and 147 interceptions.
