In Brief

COLLEGES

Georgia AD steps down, offers another apology

Damon Evans offered another apology on the day his resignation as Georgia's athletic director was announced by the school's president.

The announcement by Michael Adams came after a conference call with the executive committee of the athletic association's board of directors on Monday. Adams said Evans resigned Sunday, less than a week after Evans was arrested on a DUI charge.

Evans released a statement in which he offered "my sincerest apology" to Adams, Georgia officials, coaches, fans and student-athletes.

Evans was 34 when he was chosen athletic director in 2004.

"It had been my hope since taking the job in 2004 that I would have a long career at UGA," Evans said. "But because of a serious mistake in judgment, that won't be the case and I understand that I have a long road to rebuilding my reputation and career."

Adams read a statement and said he will have no other comment until today.

Also: South Florida basketball coach Stan Heath agreed to a three-year contract extension after leading the Bulls to their most successful season since entering the Big East.

USF went 20-13 on the way to earning a spot in the National Invitation Tournament.

MISCELLANEOUS

Ex-Raiders QB Russell arrested in drug sting

Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been charged with possession of a controlled substance -- codeine syrup -- after being arrested at his home in Alabama, authorities said.

The 24-year-old former Louisiana State star and the No. 1 Draft choice in 2007 was arrested as part of an undercover narcotics investigation, said Mobile County Sheriff's spokeswoman Lori Myles.

Myles would not say what led to his arrest. She said he did not have a prescription for the codeine.

Russell, who graduated from high school in Mobile, was booked into the city jail and released soon afterward on $2,500 bond, online records show.

The Raiders released Russell, considered one of the NFL's biggest draft busts, in May after he won only seven of his 25 starts and was benched.

Also: The Edmonton Oilers signed top overall draft pick Taylor Hall to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Hall's deal includes the maximum base salary of $900,000 per season and bonuses that max out at $3.75 million annually.

Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Antti Niemi heads the list of 31 players headed to salary arbitration.

Niemi -- who helped Chicago to its first Stanley Cup since 1961 -- will be looking for a raise from the $827,000 he made in 2009-10.

The Oilers, Canucks, Capitals and Thrashers top the list of teams heading to arbitration with three players each.

Hollywood Park canceled live racing on Thursday because of a limited number of entries. Racing will resume on Friday.

Betting favorite J P's Gusto edged Western Mood by a neck to win the $100,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship at Hollywood Park.

Joe Dumars says he is not a candidate for a job with the New Jersey Nets.

Responding to reports that he could replace Rod Thorn, the Detroit president insisted he doesn't have "any interest in a basketball operations position with the Nets."