Phoenix Suns guard Steven Nash said Tuesday that his back feels “the best it’s felt in a decade” and that he intends to sign a three-year-deal this summer, according to ESPN.com.

“It’s been my best year physically from start to finish in a long time,” Nash said. “Other than a little tweak [last week] against San Antonio, my back’s been pretty close to 100 percent.”

The 38-year-old Nash said he plans to play beyond his 40^th birthday, whether it is with the Suns or with another team via free agency, according to ESPN.com.

This season, Nash has only missed four games and is averaging 12.7 points and 11.3 assists per game for Phoenix.

The San Diego Chargers have agreed to terms with WR/KR Roscoe Parrish on a one-year deal, according to Pro Football Talk.

Chargers agree to terms with free-agent WR/KR Roscoe Parrish on a one-year deal, per league source.

—
  (@ProFootballTalk) April 03, 2012

Parrish, who turns 30 in July, only appeared in two games last season, catching one pass. He has returned three punts for touchdowns in his seven-year career.

NBA Commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that he “would love to add a year” to the current age requirement for the league, according to ESPN.com.

The current limit requires American players to be 19 years old and a year removed from high school. According to ESPN, the league wasn’t able to change the eligibility rules during collective bargaining in 2011 and the NBPA would only agree to form a committee to discuss changes.

The system has been in place since 2005 and ended the process of players joining the NBA out of high school. It has also resulted in many players becoming “one-and-done” in college – playing one season and then entering the NBA Draft. Notable players to play one college season before joining the NBA since the new rule include first overall picks John Wall (2010 – Kentucky) and Kyrie Irving (2011 – Duke).

Texas Rangers catcher Mike Napoli tweeted out a video taken from the Rangers’ dugout during Tuesday’s dangerous storm that dropped two tornados in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, according to ESPN.com. The video, showing heavy winds and rain, can be found here.

Tuesday night’s game was not canceled and the team’s executive vice president of communications John Blake tweeted that “it appears there was no structural damage to the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington during the storm in the last30 minutes,” according to ESPN.com.

According to ESPN.com, the National Weather Service confirmed at least two separate tornadoes in the area and several other twisters were reported.

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz said Tuesday that he doesn’t plan on holding out in training camp for a new contract, according to ESPN.com. Cruz is entering the final year of his undrafted free agent deal.

“Not at all, that is not in my vocabulary,” Cruz said when asked if he would consider holding out, according to ESPN. “I don’t even know what it means.”

According to ESPN, Cruz will make a base salary of $540,000 this year. Cruz told ESPN that he is not upset with his current deal, and his hiring of a new agent has nothing to do with his desire for a new contract.

“No, I am not frustrated at all,” Cruz said. “I just want to go in there and play football. When I was young, it wasn’t about the money, it wasn’t about the fame and fortune, it was about playing football. Regardless of how short term this career can be, I just want to go out there and play and all that stuff will take care of itself.”

Last season, Cruz caught 82 passes for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns for the Giants.

The appeals for New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton, assistant head coach Joe Vitt and general manager Mickey Loomis will be heard by the NFL on Thursday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

An NFL official said the appeals for the Saints, Sean Payton, Joe Vitt and Mickey Loomis are scheduled to be heard Thursday.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 03, 2012

Payton, Vitt and Loomis appealed their suspensions last week and the NFLPA has also gotten involved, warning that players could face criminal charges because of the scandal. Vitt and Loomis are suspended for six games, while Payton is suspended for the whole season.

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley has been arrested on marijuana possession charges, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

One day after Lions 2nd-rd pick Mikel Leshoure was arrested for marijuana possession, 1st-rd pick Nick Fairley was arrested for same offense

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 03, 2012

Mobile police arrested Nick Fairley, charged him with 2nd-degree marijuana possession, and took him to jail before he posted $1.000 bond.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 03, 2012

According to Schefter, Fairley was charged with 2^nd-degree marijuana possession and posted $1,000 bond. According to Al.com, police were called after a car was spotted speeding through several neighborhoods and police found marijuana in Fairley’s car.

Fairley, 24, recorded 15 tackles and one sack in his rookie season in Detroit.

The Los Angeles Lakers have fined center Andrew Bynum an undisclosed amount of money for “numerous infractions,” according to ESPN.com.

According to ESPN.com, one of the infractions was skipping a meeting with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak. Bynum also told ESPN that he will not play in Tuesday night’s game because of an ankle injury.

Bynum is averaging 17.9 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.98 blocks per game this season for the Lakers.

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino, will be released from the hospital today after being injured in a motorcycle crash and plans to attend practice this afternoon, according to USA Today.

He was listed in stable condition after the accident with only a few broken ribs and some scratches, but his return this afternoon will be limited.

“Coach Petrino has continued to improve and is scheduled to be released from the hospital later this (Tuesday) morning,” Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long said in a statement. “Doctors have cleared Coach Petrino to attend practice on Tuesday and observe from the press box. His physicians will continue to monitor his progress throughout his recovery. We look forward to Coach Petrino’s continued improvement and full resumption of his duties as head football coach.”

Petrino is expected to meet with the media after practice today to speak about the accident and his current condition.

He will be entering his fifth season with the team where he holds a 34-17 record, and has been to three bowl games.

Robert Griffin III will not participate in any private workout requests, according to ProFootballTalk.

A source close to the prospect as well as ESPN’s Adam Schefter have confirmed that Griffin doesn’t plan on participating in private workouts. It was reported earlier today that the Colts had asked Griffin for a private appointment, but his agent denied that request.

Redskins never requested -- and will not request -- a private workout with RG3, feeling they saw what they needed at his pro day.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 03, 2012

The Washington Redskins, who have the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft, did not request a workout with Griffin because they felt they saw everything they needed to at his pro day. The Colts were in California today to perform a private workout with Andrew Luck.

Griffin was the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, throwing for 4,293 yards for Baylor.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker popped the question to his country pop-star girlfriend, Jessie James on April Fool’s day, according to Yahoo Sports.

Thank you all so much for the congrats on our engagement. We are blessed to have found each other and to have supporters like you all :)

—
Jessie James (@TheJessicaJames) April 01, 2012

Decker, 25, became a Broncos primary option last season after becoming the target for Tim Tebow, catching a team-high 44 passes and scoring eight touchdowns. However, his season came to an end when he suffered a knee injury in the Broncos playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

James, 23, is a country pop-star who released her debut album in 2009. Last season she showed support for her boo by singing the national anthem before the New York Jets game, which propelled the team to the AFC West title.

The two lovebirds met through a mutual friend, and began dating over the phone.

Oklahoma Thunder superstar Kevin Durant told the Oklahoman that his team is better when point guard Russell Westbrook shoots the ball.

“We’re worse when I take more shots (than Westbrook),” Durant told the paper in response to ESPN analyst Skip Bayless criticizing Westbrook’s shoot first mentality. “Like I said, that guy (Bayless) doesn’t know a thing. I don’t think he watches us. I think he just looks at the stats. And traditionally, a point guard is not supposed to take more shots than everybody else on the team. But we’re better when he does do that and he’s aggressive. And I’m better when I’m out there facilitating, rebounding, defending and being more efficient on my shots with less shots.”

Looking at the NBA’s point per possession, the Thunder have one of the most effective and efficient offenses in the league. The Oklahoman also points out that the team is 20-4 when Westbrook takes more shots than Durant.

Durant is currently averaging 27.5 points, 3.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds, where as Westbrook is averaging  24.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.

Detroit Lions running back, Mikel Leshoure has not rescheduled his arraignment for marijuana charges, after he failed to show up in Berrien County District Court yesterday, according to Profootballtalk.

Leshoure missed the original arraignment yesterday for reasons unbeknown to the public, but reports said that he had spoken with the Lions and rescheduled it for Wednesday. However, that is not the case and Leshoure still has not made any arrangements to show up in Berrien County District Court.

Leshoure is being charged with a Felony and could be facing potential jail time and suspension from the NFL.

Leshoure missed all of his NFL rookie with a torn Achilles’ tendon.  He was drafted to the Lions in the second round and was the 57^th pick overall.

The Washington Redskins have not, and will not request a private workout from Robert Griffin III, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Redskins never requested — and will not request — a private workout with RG3, feeling they saw what they needed at his pro day.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2012

It was reported earlier today that the Colts had requested a private workout with the Heisman Trophy winner but that the quarterback’s agent had declined. Indianapolis is currently in California, conducting a private workout with rival quarterback Andrew Luck.

Luck is considered by many the obvious choice to go No. 1 overall in this month’s NFL draft to the Colts, however, some have speculated that given Griffin’s outstanding performance at his pro day that he might slide ahead of Luck. Regardless of the order, both players are expected to be taken with the first two picks of the draft as the Washington Redskins specifically traded up to the No. 2 pick in order to secure a franchise quarterback.

The NCAA misspelled “Atlanta” last night in an in-arena advertisement promoting the 2012 Men’s Final Four.

In case you missed it, NCAA’s misspelling of Atlanta. NCAA busy perpetuating Dumb Jock stereotype to spell it right. twitter.com/JayBilas/statu…

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 3, 2012

As you can see, the board visible during last night’s Kentucky vs. Kansas National Championship Game reads, “2013 Men’s Final Four Alanta.”

The 2012 Men’s Final Four was held in New Orleans, and culminated last night with Kentucky’s victory over Kansas.

Nike, who now holds the license for NFL uniforms and clothing apparel, have begun to unveil their uniforms for all 32 NFL teams today in Manhattan.

Check out all of the new glove designs for teams around the league. http://t.co/nuIs35z8

—
Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 03, 2012

Nike took over licensing rights for the NFL this spring after Reebok had previously held the rights for 11 seasons. The world renowned sports apparel company has turned heads in recent years with their innovative jersey designs for various universities around the country.

“It starts with two partners coming in with other licensees to re-launch our whole apparel line,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told CNBC’s Darren Rovell. “We believe in better. We believe our products can become more innovative and we’re doing this around the transition into their licensed products and also around the draft. We’re just three weeks away from the draft and this is a time when fans are starting to focus on the next season and the merchandise that goes with it.”

“I think this is more of a focus on performance,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday, “and trying to make sure the athletes on the field have that great quality, high performance gear.”

The jerseys are currently being unveiled live. So far, the Seattle Seahawks have been the only team to have images of their new design released. 

The Milwaukee Brewers have released the first of a series of promotional ads that feature Green Bay Packers’ superstar Aaron Rodgers, reports the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

“We have established a partnership with Aaron Rodgers, and these television spots showcase Aaron’s wit and sense of humor,” Brewers COO Rick Schlesinger said in a statement.

The first ad reportedly shows Rodgers displaying a new and unusual pitching delivery to the Brewers’ front office. The NFL MVP was the centerpiece for one of the most popular sports based commercials of 2011, State Farm’s “Discount Double Check.”

The Brewers hope to capitalize on not only Rodgers’ humor but also his massive popularity in the state of Wisconsin. A survey released by Public Policy Polling indicated that Rodgers had a higher approval rating in the state than Mother Theresa, George Washington, and Martin Luther King.

While the Colts are traveling to California to hold a private workout for quarterback Andrew Luck, rival quarterback Robert Griffin III reportedly denied the Colts the same opportunity according to the team’s owner.

A Luck private workout 2day..we want 2b as thorough n disciplined n process of #1 pick..we wanted 2do private with RG3,but his agent said no

—
Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) April 03, 2012

While Luck is considered to be the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall by  Indianapolis, some have speculated that Griffin, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, could move up and take his spot. The Washington Redskins recently traded for the No. 2 overall pick in order to draft either Luck or Griffin.

Griffin has been seen recently attending events for fans in Washington, D.C.. This season Griffin threw for 4,293 yards for Baylor.

Free-agent tackle Demetrius Bell is exploring his options and will head to Green Bay this week to meet with the Packers, according to ProFootballTalk.

Bell recently met with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers last week but is still flushing out all of his options. The 27-year-old was a seventh round draft pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2008 but didn’t officially debut for the team until 2009.

During his time with the Bills he played and started in 24 games. He has had three solo tackles throughout his career.

The Indianapolis Colts will travel to California today to put Stanford star quarterback Andrew Luck through a private workout, according to the Indianapolis Star.

The workout will be held at Stanford, Luck’s alma matter. The Colts also had the opportunity to watch Luck work out March 22 at his pro day in Palo Alto.

“We’ll get all the information and make a great decision,” Colts quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen told the paper.

The Colts have the No. 1 overall pick in this month’s NFL Draft and are expected to select either Luck or Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. While several months ago Luck was considered all but a lock, Griffin’s stock has risen dramatically after an outstanding pro day of his own, and several impressive interviews.

New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams is upset about the backlash he has received on social networks for his decision to become a free-agent following this season, according to Yahoo! Sports.

“People get traded all the time,” Williams told Yahoo! Sports. “They don’t get backlash as an organization. If [players] leave, we are not loyal, we are ungrateful. People say stuff to me on Twitter. They already think I’m gone. They are out there bashing me, saying to me I’m a traitor.

“I didn’t ask to be here. I got traded. I didn’t come here being a free agent. This is the first time that I’m a free agent in my career.”

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 hits the open market.

The Nets were expected to be major players to either trade for, or sign Dwight Howard by this offseason, however some have speculated that with Howard agreeing to stay at least one more year in Orlando, Williams may look to go elsewhere.

Through 49 games this season the 27-year-old is averaging 21.6 points and 8.6 assists per game.

The Detroit Tigers have placed infielder Brandon Inge on the disabled list, according to the team’s official Twitter account.

INF Brandon Inge has been placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 30 with a left groin strain.

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) April 3, 2012

Inge, 34, hit a career worst .197/.265/.283 with three home runs and 23 RBI in 303 plate appearances for the Tigers last season.  It was expected that Inge would serve as a utility player and emergency catcher for Detroit this season.

This spring, Inge had it just .180/.226/.300 in 50 plate appearances.

Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy alleges that Dallas Mavericks big man Brendan Haywood sucker-punched Dwight Howard in the back on Friday night, but Haywood has denied it, and apparently the NBA powers that be aren’t buying it either. Haywood will not be disciplined, a source tells Jeff Caplan of ESPN Dallas.

Van Gundy referred to the incident as “really ridiculous” and vowed to have the league review the tape, but Haywood insisted that Van Gundy’s allegations were far from the truth.

“I guess he’s got something no one else has,” Haywood said. “Like I said, it’s a physical game and sometimes guys get testy with elbows thrown, forearms, but no one throws any punches out there. Most of the NBA guys, without a doubt, it’s all WWE to us. We’re fake tough guys. No one throws any real punches. It’s unfortunate Stan feels that way. I know he has to protect his guy, but that’s just not the case.

“No one has any footage of it I guess except him, so unless he had (assistant coach) Patrick Ewing on the bench taping with his iPhone, I don’t think that really happened.”

Howard played 44 minutes in the Magic’s loss Friday to the Mavs, recording 19 points and 15 rebounds; he then missed Saturday’s practice and yesterday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets with — yes, you guessed it — back spasms.

Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin revealed tonight that he will require surgery on his shoulder.

Just found out I will need surgery on shoulder

—
Percy Harvin (@Percy_Harvin) April 02, 2012

Harvin also clarified in a later tweet that he expects a quick recovery and should be ready for the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) this year, which typically begin in May. Adam Schefter of ESPN reported tonight that Harvin’s procedure will be just an arthroscopic cleanup.

Harvin, the Vikings’ No. 22 overall pick in the 2009 draft, made a career-high 87 catches last season for 967 yards and six touchdowns.

The Vikings’ wideout isn’t the only major injury concern this spring — superstar running back Adrian Peterson tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee late last season and is currently on the long road to recovery.

Boston Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey is still seeking out a second opinion on his injured right thumb — but citing multiple major league sources, the Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham reports that Bailey has already been told he needs surgery.

Bailey was examined today by team doctors in Boston. Tomorrow he’s scheduled to visit with Dr. Robert Graham, a hand specialist at the Cleveland Clinic. If Graham also recommends surgery, the Sox’ hurler could go under the knife as soon as later that day.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has been surprisingly cryptic about Bailey’s injury and his status going forward.

“When a player is injured, I always am very concerned and always try to make alternative plans,” the skipper said. “If he jumps right back in, then I’m pleasantly surprised. When guys are hurt, they’re hurt and he couldn’t pitch for a couple of days, you know?”

Bailey posted 24 saves and a 3.24 ERA for the Oakland Athletics last season; he’s a two-time American League All-Star at 27. The Red Sox acquired Bailey in a five-player trade on Dec. 28.

The University of Illinois has announced that Meyers Leonard, their sophomore center, will forgo his final two seasons with the Illini and enter the NBA draft this spring.

Leonard averaged 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots for Illinois this season, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He ranked third in the conference in rebounding and field goal percentage (.584), and first in blocks.

“This was a very difficult decision because I love the University of Illinois,” Leonard said. “But I feel the timing is right for me to follow my dream of playing in the NBA and having the opportunity to provide for my mom and family. I want to thank everyone in the Illini program for their support these past two years.”

Leonard plans to finish his sophomore year academically before going pro. He’s projected as a mid-first round pick in this year’s draft, which will be held on June 28.