Manchester United will pick up striker Dimitar Berbatov’s “one-way option” that will keep him with the club for another year, according to The Guardian.

The option ensures the team will not lose Berbatov, 31, this summer for no fee. The clause is activated on Thursday but does not have to be executed immediately, according to The Guardian.

Manchester United purchased Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur for almost $50 million in 2006 and the Bulgarian has just 49 goals in 82 starts for the team. According to The Guardian, Berbatov is not expected to receive a raise and is low on the depth chart, behind Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez.

The Los Angeles Lakers rejected a trade offer from the Minnesota Timberwolves that would send forward Michael Beasley to Los Angeles in exchange for a first-round draft pick, according to ESPN’s Chris Broussard.

Twolves offered Beasley to Lakers for LA's best 1st round pick 2012. LA said No b/c it doesn't want to pay the added luxury tax, source says

—
Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) February 29, 2012

According to Broussard, the Lakers rejected the trade to avoid paying added luxury tax. The Lakers have one of the highest payrolls in the league (around $88 million) and are already due to pay $18 million in luxury taxes this season, according to Broussard.

Beasley, 23, was the second overall pick by the Miami Heat in the 2008 NBA Draft but was traded to Minnesota prior to last season. This season, he is averaging 12.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for the Timberwolves.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will release longtime wide receiver Hines Ward, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

End of an era: Steelers will release Hines Ward.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 29, 2012

In January, Ward announced that he was not retiring from football and that he would like to stay with Pittsburgh, if possible. He acknowledged that meant he would have to take a pay cut.

“I’d probably have to restructure my contract,” Ward said of the pay cut. “That’s fine with me. I recognize that. I’m telling you I want to be here, I’m telling you I’m willing to do that. And I understand the ramifications — we have the cap number and stuff, but I want to be here.”

Ward earned $4 million in 2011 but said he would restructure the two years remaining on his deal in order to remain with the team.  He finished the season with 46 receptions for 381 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games for Pittsburgh.

Update (5:57 p.m.): Both the Steelers and Ward have released statements regarding Ward’s release.

Steelers:

“We had a conversation today with Hines Ward and informed him that we plan to release him of his contract prior to the start of the 2012 NFL calendar year,” Steelers President Art Rooney II told the team’s website. “Hines has been an integral part of our success since we drafted him in 1998 and we will forever be grateful for what he has helped us achieve. He has meant so much to this organization, both on and off the field, and we appreciate his efforts over the past 14 years. Hines’ accomplishments are numerous, and he will always be thought of as one of the all-time great Steelers. We wish him nothing but the best.”

Ward:

“This isn’t how I wanted this chapter of my career to end. I did everything in my power to remain a Steeler and finish what I started here 14 years ago. I want to thank the organization, my teammates and coaches and everyone who made my run as a Steeler the best years of my life. To Mr. Rooney, thank you for allowing me to play for one of the greatest organizations in the world. To my fans and in particular, Steeler Nation, thank you for your support and all the great memories. I gave my heart and soul for you every down and I will always bleed black and gold. I do feel that I still have more football left in me and I am looking forward to playing in the NFL, again, this upcoming season.”

NASCAR will not fine Brad Keselowski for using Twitter during the red-flag delay of the Daytona 500, according to Yahoo Sports. In fact, in a statement released today, the racing governing body encouraged Keselowski for his creative use of social media during the race.

“Nothing we’ve seen from Brad violates any current rules pertaining to the use of social media during races,” NASCAR said in a statement. “As such, he won’t be penalized. We encourage our drivers to use social media to express themselves as long as they do so without risking their safety or that of others.”

Keselowski drew headlines when he sent several tweets during a delay at the Daytona 500. As a result of his “Twitterfest” during the Daytona 500 he increased his following by 135,000. He has also been winning accolades from the sport’s world for his move.

Here is one of the Tweets he sent during the race.

Closest I got to the scene of the fire. @KaytiNowak: @keselowski post another picture!! i'm loving this right now” http://t.co/COJLdy8b

—
Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) February 28, 2012

The Phoenix Suns want to re-sign veteran point guard Steve Nash when he becomes a free agent this summer,  sources close to the situation have told ESPN.

Suns owner Robert Saver hopes he can convince Nash to re-sign with the team for at least two more seasons, according to ESPN.

However, according to NBC Sports, Nash is intrigued about being becoming a free agent this summer telling reporters, “It’ll be an interesting period for me if only because I never really been through it. I want to be a champion and play on the best possible team but there’s also other factors. What’s the best fit for me, environment and financial considerations.”

Demand for Nash before the March 13 trade deadline has been limited to the Portland Blazers and Orlando Magic. Many offers for the 38-year old point guard have reportedly not been as attractive as they might be considering his age and him becoming a free agent this summer.  This season with the Suns (14-20), Nash is averaging 13.9 points and 10.9 assists per game.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports that the MLB will add two additional wild card spots to the league’s playoff structure this season. An official announcement is expected tomorrow.

Sources: Additional wild cards a "go" for this season. Playoffs to expand from eight to 10 teams. Announcement tomorrow. #MLB

—
Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 29, 2012

Told agreement on expanded playoffs isn't final, but will happen. Same thing on announcement. Not certain for tomorrow, but possible. #MLB

—
Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 29, 2012

MLB commissioner Bud Selig announced in November that the league would like to expand from two to four wild card berths. At the time, he said the changes would be instituted by 2013, but that he hoped they could be put into place by 2012.

As it currently stands, the winner of each of the league’s three divisions, plus one wild card in each league, form to make an eight team playoff system. Under the current system, the only penalty for claiming the wild card as opposed to the divisional title is that the wild card team is forced to play the opponent within their league with the best record in the opening round of the playoffs.

Under the new proposed system the two wild card teams from each league will face each other in a one or three game series before the rest of the post season begins.

Reigning NBA M.V.P. Derrick Rose has missed some big free-throws in his young basketball career.

In the 2008 NCAA championship game, the eventual No. 1 pick missed a critical free-throw in the final minutes of the game that allowed Kansas to beat his Memphis squad 75-68 in overtime. Earlier this season, Rose missed two late shots from the charity stripe which allowed the Miami Heat to beat the Chicago Bulls in the final seconds of the game.

Last night, however, Rose’s late game missed free-throw kept his hometown Chicago Bulls fans from claiming a free Big Mac from McDonalds. Up 99-95, Rose missed his final free-throw of the night, which kept the Bulls from scoring the 100 points needed for the crowd to get the free voucher for the burger.

“I feel like Jackie Moon off of ‘Semi-Pro,’ ” Rose told ESPN “That’s all I was thinking about, man.

“I saved McDonald’s a lot of money, so they should be happy.”

The Bulls won the game, helping them improve their record to 28-8. Rose scored 32 points and dished nine assists in the victory.

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard will not sign a contract extension if traded to the Lakers, according to Los Angeles Lakers radio play-by-play personality John Ireland.

Ireland said on ESPN Radio Tuesday that Dan Fegan, Howard’s agent, told him that he would not be interested in a long term deal with Los Angeles.

Howard is considered to be one of the biggest targets as the NBA trade deadline approaches, however, teams are not likely to be willing to deal for him unless they know that they can keep him for the long term. Prior to this season, Howard told the Orlando Magic that he would like to be traded, and he gave the club a short list of team’s that he would sign an extension with if he were dealt there. The Magic still believe that they will be able to sign the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year to a long-term contract.

Howard has had a dominant season for the Magic thus far, averaging 20.1 points, 15.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Orlando currently sits fifth in the Eastern Conference at 22-13, 5.5 games behind the Miami Heat.

The New England Patriots have expressed their interest in keeping wide receiver Chad Ochocinco but for less money, according to Sports Business Journal’s Liz Mullen.

Source: New England Patriots have approached Chad Ochocinco about restructuring his contract. #NFL

—
Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) February 29, 2012

Under Ochocinco’s current contract, he is due $6.2 million for the next two seasons.  However, considering his unproductive 2011 season, the Patriots would only like to keep him if they can reconstruct his contract.

Last season, Ochocinco caught 15 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown.  In the 21-17 Super bowl loss against the Giants, he had one catch for 21 yards.

Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow and Country superstar Taylor Swift were spotted on what was believed to be a dinner date, according to the New York Post.

“After dinner, he walked her out,” a source told the website, adding that it was unclear whether the get-together was a date. “Then he walked back in to join two other people. I think they may both have been with their agents.”

Reportedly, Tebow and Swift spent some time talking at a pre-Oscars party on Friday night.  On Monday night, the pair was spotted at Toscanova Italian restaurant in Los Angeles.

Before Swift, rumors were swirling about Tebow dating pop star Katy Perry which the quarterback denied.

The director of Florida operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Trevor Gooby, delivered a baby on park grounds during a special event for season ticket holders Tuesday night, according to the Bradenton Patch.

“She pushed one time and the baby was out,” Gooby said. “We wrapped the baby up in towels.  He was crying and EMS arrived a couple of mintues later and cut the umbilical cord. I told her my name is Trevor and it makes a great name,” Gooby jokingly said to the new mother.

The eight and half months pregnant season ticket holder Latisha Kirk was enjoying a walk around the park when all of a sudden she began to experience discomfort.  Once alerted of the soon-to-mother’s situation, Gooby rushed Kirk by wheelchair to the front gates of the park when she insisted, “The baby is definitely coming.”  After sending staff to retrieve towels and gloves, Gooby prepared for delivery telling the Bradenton Patch, “I could see the baby’s head.”

Later, Gooby checked in with the Manatee Memorial hospital and discovered that Ms.Kirk and her newborn baby boy were in good health.  He is planning to making a visit the hospital later Wednesday.

NBA legend Michael Jordan has listed his Highland Park mansion for sale for $29 million, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The compound measures over 56,000 square feet.  Some of the features include nine bedrooms, 15 full baths, three-bedroom guesthouse, indoor-outdoor entertaining and pool area, tennis court, putting green, full-size indoor basketball court, and a 15-car garage.

Listed as the highest priced home in Chicago, Jordan’s mansion has been home to the family ever since he was married with his former wife, Juanita.  According to public records, property taxes on the home were $165,224 in 2010.

In 2000, Jordan became the first player to have ownership in a team when he became part owner of the Washington Wizards.  In 2003, Jordan officially retired from basketball after a brief stint as a player for the Wizards.  Currently, the six-time NBA champion is the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman’s knee is feeling better and he is now expected to resume training without missing much if any time, according to a tweet from the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

#Braves 1B Freeman said knee's better today, walking w/out crutches. Will wear brace from now on, doesn't expect to miss much if any time.

—
David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) February 29, 2012

Freeman is even trying to talk his way into the starting line-up for Saturday’s first exhibition game. However, the Braves are more likely to be cautious in order to preserve his health for the majority of the season.

Freeman said he is going to try to talk his way into lineup as soon as Sat.; #Braves likely to be cautious, keep him out least a few days.

—
David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) February 29, 2012

Freeman’s right knee popped out of place at practice yesterday as he reached to pick a low throw at first base. Team doctors first estimated that the first baseman would have to miss several weeks, however a second look has provided a much more optimistic diagnosis.

Last season, Freeman was one of the top candidates for the National League Rookie of the Year award, and in 157 games hit .282 with  76 RBIs, and 21 home runs.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would rather have quarterback Tony Romo than Stanford’s Andrew Luck or Baylor’s Robert Griffin III, according to the Star-Telegram.

“Tony is going to play a lot more than two more years,” said the owner’s son and team vice president Stephen Jones. “We are going to take care of Tony. Tony is going to be a Cowboy.”

According to the Star-Telegram, Stephen Jones conveyed his father’s same thoughts, who reportedly said over the weekend that he has no interest in starting over with a top draft prospect in quarterbacks Luck or Griffin.

Despite limited success in the playoffs since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2006, Jerry Jones is reportedly convinced that Romo will lead the Cowboys back to the Super Bowl. Despite the Cowboys missing the playoffs last season, Romo had one of his best seasons of his career last year, finishing with a 102.5 passer rating.

Former Indianapolis Colts Vice Chairman Bill Polian has joined ESPN as an NFL analyst, according to the network’s Adam Schefter.

A big welcome: former Indianapolis Colts Vice Chairman and six-time NFL Executive of the Year Bill Polian has joined ESPN as an NFL analyst.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 29, 2012

Polian is best known for his work as the lead executive for the Indianapolis Colts beginning in 1999. His reign began with the drafting and signing of Peyton Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft, it ended this offseason when Colts’ owner Jim Irsay decided the team needed a complete front-office reshuffle after a 2-14 season.

Polian also served as the general manager of the Buffalo Bills from 1986-1993, and of the Carolina Panthers from 1994-1997.

He is a six-time NFL Executive of the Year award recipient.

Former Denver Broncos receiver, Demaryius Thomas is set to testify against former teammate and roommate Perrish Cox in the cornerback’s sexual assault trail either today or tomorrow, according to the Denver Post.

The alleged victim, who at the time was Thomas’s girlfriend, testified to jurors on Tuesday saying that she remembered having relations with Thomas before she passed out. According to police reports, Thomas left the apartment after the accuser fell asleep.

DNA test results showed that Cox had impregnated the victim.

Cox pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault while the victim was physically helpless, and one count of sexual assault while the victim was incapable of determining the nature of conduct. If he is convicted he could face a potential sentence of two years to life in prison.

As the NBA enters the second half of the season, New York Knicks power forward Amar’e Stoudemire is determined to return to an elite level of play, according to NewsDay.

Formerly one of the most explosive players in the league, Stoudemire told Newsday to “Stay tuned,” expressing his promise to himself and his team that he is set on returning to the level of play that helped bring the New York Knicks back to relevance in 2010-11.

Stoudemire’s points per game average is down eight points from last season, and he says he has not been able to finish around the basket like he once did.   Enduring many setbacks including back issues before that were bothering him leading into the campaign, gaining 15 pounds, and most recently, his brother’s death, Stoudemire has acknowledged that these factors have had a negative effect on his performance during the first half of the season.

Last season, Stoudemire averaged 25.3 points and shot 50.2 percent from the field.  Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni expects his play will begin to pick up now with Jeremy Lin filling the void at the point guard position.

Baseball’s top prospect, Bryce Harper, has deleted his Twitter account, according to Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington.

“I just wanted to,” Harper told Zuckerman. “I was done.”

The Nationals’ public relations staff had given the team a lecture on the responsibility of having social media accounts several days ago. The team even brought in a consultant to advise the players on how to handle both social and mainstream media, according to Zuckerman.

Harper had previously been particularly active on Twitter. In recent months he had built his following to above 20,000, and was often found interacting with fans and answering questions. His antics had gotten him into trouble at times, however. Harper irked many Washington fans when he told several followers that he was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and a New York Yankees fan.

The New York Jets are interested in bringing back free agent wide receiver Braylon Edwards, according to the New York Daily News.

“He had two outstanding seasons for us,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said last month. “He was an outstanding blocker.”

Edwards, 29, signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers before the 2011 season.  With the 49ers, Edwards’ playing time was limited due to multiple injuries.  He was then waived before Week 17.  With soon-to-be free agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress and the Jets likely to part ways, the club has expressed their interest in replacing him with Edwards.

Despite his off-the-field issues, Edwards was a productive player for the Jets in his two seasons.  In 2010, Edwards led the Jets with 904 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Paul George, one of the four players to take part in the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest last weekend, says the competition is a “joke,” according to the Indianapolis Star.

“(Not to) take nothing away from the dunk contest, (but) it was a joke,” George said. “I guess whoever had the biggest celebrity involved in their dunk was going to be the winner. I guess I should have tried to reach out to some people.”

George told the paper that the one-time can’t miss contest has lost its luster after the league took away actual judges and put the vote into the hands of the fans at home. He also believes that the contest would be revitalized if the league’s stars chose to partake.

“You have to have the faces of the league come back and get involved in it,” George said. “That’s what really made it big back in the day when you had Jordan and Dominique going at it. That was the All Stars and the guys that were the men in the league. That’s what fans want to see.”

George lost the contest to Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz. George’s most memorable dunk came when he slammed it in over 7-2 center Roy Hibbert.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant did, in fact, suffer a concussion in Sunday’s All-Star Game after a hard foul from Dwyane Wade, the team announced Tuesday.

Wade sent Bryant a letter of apology Tuesday.

The injury was initially deemed just a fractured nose, but after a follow up visit with a neurologist, it was confirmed that Bryant suffered a concussion.

Bryant will be evaluated again Wednesday, and his status for that night’s game is day-to-day.

NASCAR announced Tuesday that they would not penalize driver Brad Keselowski for tweeting during a red flag period of Monday’s Daytona 500, according to ESPN.com.

The stoppage lasted over two hours, and Keselowski tweeted photos and answered questions from fans. NASCAR has encouraged drivers to be more communicative with fans, and they found no fault in what Keselowski did Monday night.

“NASCAR will not penalize Brad Keselowski for his use of Twitter during last night’s Daytona 500,” NASCAR said in a statement, according to ESPN. “Nothing we’ve seen from Brad violates any current rules pertaining to the use of social media during races. As such, he won’t be penalized. We encourage our drivers to use social media to express themselves as long as they do so without risking their safety or that of others.”

The Utah Jazz are open to making a trade before the March 15 deadline, notably a deal including point guard Devin Harris, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The report states that no deal is in the works, however.

Harris, 29, came over to the Jazz from the New Jersey Nets in the Deron Williams deal. He’s averaging 9.1 points and 4.5 assists a game on the year.

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade sent an apology message to Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant after Wade’s foul resulted in a broken nose for Bryant, ESPN.com is reporting. Wade fouled Bryant hard, but he hadn’t intended to injure him.

“It’s all I can do,” Wade said, according to the report. “He knows it’s no ill intent of me to do that to him. Talk about me for taking the foul, but I never wanted that kind of outcome.”

Bryant underwent a CT scan, which revealed a fractured nose but no concussion. The Lakers are expected to update Bryant’s condition Tuesday.

The drug test collector who handled Ryan Braun’s urine specimen spoke out today after the reigning National League MVP held a press conference explaining that the reason his 50-game suspension was dropped on appeal was a result of suspicious actions in his testing procedure.

Braun, whose sample tested positive for performance enhancing drugs last postseason, held a press conference Feb. 24 explaining that “there were a lot of things that we learned about the collector, about the collection process, about the way that the entire thing worked that made us very concerned and very suspicious about what could have actually happened.”

Dino Laurenzi Jr., the tester who collected the sample, released a statement through his attorney today. Here is an excerpt:

“I followed the same procedure in collecting Mr. Braun’s sample as I did in the hundreds of other samples I collected under the Program. I sealed the bottles containing Mr. Braun’s A and B samples with specially-numbered, tamper-resistant seals, and Mr. Braun signed a form signifying, among other things, that the specimens were capped and sealed in his presence and that the specimen identification numbers on the top of the form matched those on the seals.

“I placed the two bottles containing Mr. Braun’s samples in a plastic bag and sealed the bag. I then placed the sealed bag in a standard cardboard Specimen Box which I also sealed with a tamper-resistant, correspondingly-numbered seal placed over the box opening. I then placed Mr. Braun’s Specimen Box, and the Specimen Boxes containing the samples of the two other players, in a Federal Express Clinic Pack. Read More…

Quarterback, Donovan McNabb is not ready to retire despite two consecutive sub-par seasons, according to USA Today.

“I still have my mind on focused on football,” the McNabb told KILT in Houston, according to USA Today. “All I have been doing is just working out and just staying abreast with things. I have been doing some TV stuff in the meantime just to polish that up for future endeavors that I may step into when I am done. But the most important thing for me is to just stay involved and continue to perfect my craft and get better and better as I continue on.”

After leading two teams to losing seasons, McNabb is well aware of the fact that he may have to accept a number two position or be willing to fight for a starting role. According to USA Today, McNabb believes that he can continue to compete at the top level, he is just seeking the opportunity to do so.

“I just want an opportunity to compete, go into a team with a solid defense, run game and some weapons on the outside.”

Last season McNabb asked to be released from the Vikings after rookie Christian Ponder had supplanted him as the team’s starter. The former Pro Bowler had hoped to be picked up by one of the several teams at the time who were in need of a starting quarterback. He finished the season without a team.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said that if the Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels were the West Coast equivalent to the Mets and the Yankees, then the Dodgers would be the Yankees.

“It’s kind of like Mets-Yankees,” Mattingly told ESPN Los Angeles. “The Yankees are the team. (The Mets) are going to have their years when they play well, but the Yankees are still the team. I don’t want to badmouth the Angels at all. Mr. (Angels owner Arte) Moreno has done a great job down there in Anaheim, and (Angels manager) Mike (Scioscia) does a great job. But we’re the Dodgers, and that isn’t going to change.”

Mattingly himself played his entire career as a member of the New York Yankees, and served as an assistant coach for the team under manager Joe Torre.

Atlanta Braves first baseman, Freddie Freeman is expected to sit out at least two weeks after injuring his right knee this morning, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

Freeman’s right knee popped out of place as he reached to pick a low throw at first base, Bowman reports.

“I was just doing pick drills and the knee gave out,” Freeman said in an interview with MLB.com. “The kneecap went this way and I came back in. When I did this when I was playing in Triple-A, it took me two weeks.  So that is what we are going on.”

According to Bowman, Freeman does not seem to be concerned about the injury and knows that he will be back on the field  in no time.

Freeman began last season as the starting first baseman for the Braves, and was mentioned as a strong candidate for Rookie of the year after he improved greatly throughout the season. In 157 games hit .282 with  76 RBIs, and 21 home runs.

Michael Vick’s brother, Marcus, has been sentenced to a 10-day jail sentence for contempt of court, according to the Associated Press.

Vick reportedly failed to appear in court on two separate occasions for a charge of driving on a suspended license. Vick was expected to report to jail Monday but according to Associated Press he has yet to arrive.

Marcus Vick, like his brother Michael, was a standout quarterback at Virginia Tech University. Despite possessing the same incredible physical skills as his brother, Marcus was unable to stay on the field and ultimately went undrafted as a result of behavioral issues and legal troubles.

Vick eventually signed with the Miami Dolphins after going undrafted in 2006. He played with the team for one season but his contract was not picked up.

Former Portland Trail Blazers guard, Brandon Roy, has thought about returning to the game after retiring prior to the 2011-12 season due to numerous knee injuries, according to ProBasketballTalk.

“It’s the truth. It’s really hard being so far away from the game. I spend time watching Jamal (Crawford) and following all of his games; Will (Conroy) and Tre (Simmons) are both doing their thing, so it’s driving me to wanna come back out there.” Roy told US Basket, “If the treatment I’ve been looking into can work, I believe there’s a good chance you will see Brandon Roy back hoopin’.”

Roy played in just 47 games last year due to knee issues. In 2009-10, he was limited to just 65 games for the Trail Blazers. Once considered one of the games rising stars, Roy ended his career after just six seasons.

Roy was a three-time All-Star, and the 2006-07 Rookie of the Year. Last season he averaged 12.2 points per game, 2.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds. His career average is 19 points per game, 4.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash held a press conference this morning to clear the air on his reported request for a trade. The career-long Blue Jacket went untraded after yesterday’s 3 p.m. NHL trade deadline, meaning he will have to finish the season with Columbus.

Nash, 27, has had the lowest output since his rookie season this year. In 62 games played he has scored 21 goals and 22 assists for 39 points. In his first professional season he tallied 17 goals and 22 assists for 43 points.

It is possible that Nash could finish the season with 30-or-less goals for just the second time since 2003. For nearly a decade, Nash has been the one bright spot for the Columbus franchise that has managed to make the playoffs just once in its history.

All-Star third baseman David Wright was not a fan of the “Underdog” shirts Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon gave the team at yesterday’s practice, according to the New York Daily News.

“I don’t really like using the whole underdog thing. I don’t really like playing that card,” Wright said. “I think it’s just a way to remind everybody in here that the outside expectations aren’t the expectations that we have for ourselves.

“But we in here kind of have to rally around that and get it going,” Wright continued. “I guess, at the end of the day, that is kind of an underdog theme, but we shouldn’t view ourselves as that. We’ll let everybody else view ourselves as that, because I think we kind of know what we’re capable of doing.”

Last season the Mets finished with a 77-85 record, which qualified them for fourth place in the National League East. This season, with the Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins improving dramatically through free-agency and trades, the Mets are expected to finish last in the division.

This offseason the Mets have lost National League batting champion Jose Reyes and outfielder Carlos Beltran.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose signed a shoe endorsement deal with Adidas that could be worth upwards of $200 million, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Rose reportedly signed the 13-year deal with the shoe company on Friday while in Orlando, Fla., for the NBA All-Star Game. According to Yahoo!, the deal gives him $185 million guaranteed, with the ability to make between $200-250 million total with incentives.

In December, Rose agreed to a five-year, $94 million contract extension with the Chicago Bulls.

In 25 games this season, Rose is averaging 21.8 points and 7.7 assists per game.

New Jersey Nets head coach Avery Johnson views Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks as a potential threat to sign-away point guard Deron Williams this offseason, according to ESPN Dallas.

“He’s a threat, OK?” Johnson said of Cuban. “I know the guy. I think because of the success he’s had — and I know he got criticized a lot for quote-unquote having all those years where he didn’t win a championship — but he’s had some great success here that rivals any situation. So that’s a threat.”

Williams chose not to sign a long-term contract extension with the Nets prior to this season because under the new collective bargaining agreement, he would be able to make a great deal more money if he were to sign with them after the 2011-12 campaign. At the time, he expressed to Nets fans that his decision was about dollars and cents, but he still will have the ability to speak with other teams when he becomes a free-agent.

The Mavericks have fixed their financial affairs to be major players this offseason, potentially allowing them to go out and sign All-Stars Dwight Howard, Deron Williams, or both.

Johnson served as the Mavericks head coach from 2004-08. In 2005-06 he helped lead the Mavericks to a Western Conference championship, and was named the NBA Coach of the Year.

Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson says there is no doubt in his mind that the team can make the playoffs this season, and told CSN Washington that the club could fire him if they didn’t.

“No question in my mind,” Johnson said when asked if this season would be a disappointment if the team didn’t make the playoffs. “You know, and they can fire me.”

The Nationals have never finished with a record above .500 since moving to Washington in 2005. Built around a young core, however, the team finished 80-81 last season, and for the first time in franchise history finished as high as third in the National League East. Since then the team has added starting pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson. They are also expected to have a fully healthy Stephen Strasburg, Ryan Zimmerman, and Adam LaRoche, luxuries they didn’t have last year.

Johnson has also said this spring that the 2012 Nationals have more potential than the 1986 New York Mets, with whom he won the World Series.