Baseball
Nomar Garciaparra will not play in the World Baseball Classic, citing that he needed spring training to work on first base.
Bengie Molina signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Blue Jays worth $5 million.
The Cincinnati Reds hired Wayne Krivsky as their new general manager on Wednesday.
Football
This past Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl. While on the winners' podium, Jerome Bettis retired. Bettis rushed for over thirteen thousand yards over the course of a thirteen-year career, mostly with Pittsburgh. He retires fourth all-time in rushing attempts and fifth in rushing yardage.
This years Hall of Fame class will be Rayfield Wright, Reggie White, John Madden, Warren Moon, Harry Carson, and Troy Aikman.
The New York Jets promoted assistant GM Mike Tannenbaum to general manger. Former GM Terry Bradway was demoted in the organization.
Former 49ers coach Dennis Erickson was named the new head football coach at the University of Idaho on Wednesday.
Basketball
Jonathan Bender has retired due to chronic knee problems. He was the fifth pick of the 1999 draft and spent his entire playing career with the Pacers. Bender averaged 5.6 points per game over his career. He had great potential, but injuries kept him at bay.
Antonio Davis was traded to the Toronto Raptors. In return, the New York Knicks will get Jalen Rose and a first round draft pick.
Boston's Al Jefferson will be out until after the all-star break and maybe longer with a sprained ankle.
Hockey
Rick Tocchet, an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotees, has been accused of financing a large-scale gambling ring that bets on professional games. There are reports that a dozen current NHL players placed bets in this gambling ring.
The Flyers' Keith Primeau will not return this season from a concussion sustained earlier in the season.
Winter Olympics
Opening Ceremonies for the 2006 Wineter Olympics will be held on Friday, Feb. 10. Apolo Ohno will try to overcome the mishap of 2002 in the speed skating competition for the U.S.. Michelle Kwan is back to try again for gold in Figure skating after overcoming injury.
