Irish freshman DB out for the season

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame defensive back Shaun Crawford will miss the season after injuring a knee in practice.

Coach Brian Kelly released a statement Wednesday night saying the 5-foot-8, 180-pound freshman from Lakewood, Ohio, tore his anterior cruciate ligament during practice earlier in the day. Kelly had said Saturday that Crawford was competing for time at nickel back, saying he had shown speed, physicality and a knack for the game. He said Crawford already knew the calls and was helping safeties on some plays.

He also was competing for a spot returning kickoffs.

 

Stabler, Stanfel on senior finalists list

CANTON (AP) — Quarterback Ken Stabler and guard Dick Stanfel were selected Wednesday as senior finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016.

Stabler and Stanfel, who both died this year, were picked by the Hall’s Seniors Committee.

Drafted in the second round by Oakland out of Alabama in 1968, the left-handed Stabler was known for his accuracy, clutch performances — and off-field exploits. He compiled a .661 winning percentage over his 15-season career with the Raiders (1970-79), Oilers (1980-81) and Saints (1982-84). Nicknamed “Snake,” Stabler was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1974.

Stanfel was selected in the second round in 1951 by Detroit. In seven pro seasons, the final three with Washington, he was one of the NFL’s best blockers, making the 1950s All-Decade Team. He made four Pro Bowls.

Voting for next year’s class will be held on Feb. 6 in San Francisco.

 

76ers’ Enbiid out for a second season

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is expected to miss the season following a second surgery on his right foot.

Embiid’s recovery should take five to eight months, the same timeframe the center was given following the first surgery last year. The Sixers were cautious with their prized prospect and held him out for the entire season. Team president Sam Hinkie said Wednesday the organization would follow a similar path again.

Embiid had a bone graft Tuesday, with two existing screws replaced and a graft using bone from his hip.

Hinkie says Embiid did not suffer another broken foot, there was simply less healing than expected.

The 7-footer from Kansas was the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft. He missed his entire rookie season after having surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot.

 

Duncan selected top NBA teammate

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan has been named the Twyman-Stokes Award winner given annually to the NBA’s teammate of the year.

A panel of NBA stars from the past nominated a panel of six candidates. Then nearly 300 active players voted for the winner. Duncan received 72 first-place votes. Vince Carter of the Memphis Grizzlies finished second .

and Atlanta’s Elton Brand finished third.

Duncan says he learned how to be a great teammate from the veterans he was around early in his career. He says it was instilled in him early in his career that it was important to accept roles, be selfless and work well with teammates.

Duncan will receive the award at a home game early in the season.