Jets complete deal of Mason to Texans

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets have completed a trade that sends wide receiver Derrick Mason to the Houston Texans for an undisclosed draft pick.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum says Wednesday that “things didn’t work out on the field with Derrick,” and that they took advantage of the opportunity when the Texans called to inquire about Mason. The teams agreed to the deal late Tuesday night.

Mason signed with the team in August to high expectations. But he struggled early with 13 receptions for 115 yards, and was benched in favor of rookie Jeremy Kerley in New York’s 30-21 loss at New England on Sunday.

Tannenbaum insists the move had nothing to do with critical comments Mason made recently.

Report: Cubs hire Epstein as new GM

CHICAGO (AP) — Boston Red Sox executive Theo Epstein has agreed to a five-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to multiple media reports.

The 37-year-old Epstein would leave the Red Sox with a year remaining on his contract as general manager and take over what is expected to be an expanded role with the Cubs, who have gone 103 years without a World Series championship.

Radio station WEEI in Boston, ESPN the Magazine and SI.com all cited unidentified sources in reporting that Epstein has agreed to a deal. Details, which could include compensation to the Red Sox, were still being worked out.

Art Modell’s wife dead at age of 80

BALTIMORE (AP) — Patricia Modell, the wife of former NFL team owner Art Modell and a longtime television actress, has died. She was 80.

Mrs. Modell was pronounced dead around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens announced after being contacted by Modell’s son. She had been hospitalized for around five months.

Patricia Breslin Modell performed on the New York stage, in motion pictures and on television. She starred in the “People’s Choice” television series with actor Jackie Cooper and played the role of Meg Baldwin in the soap opera “General Hospital.” She also played Laura Brooks on the prime time soap opera “Peyton Place.”