Sports Digest

May 16, 2008

One of five suspects charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and burglary.

Defense attorney Michael Hornung said that according to the plea agreement, Venjah Hunte will serve 29 years in prison and cooperate with prosecutors.

Hornung said Hunte pleaded guilty Friday but prosecutors requested the plea agreement be sealed because investigators were pursuing the fifth suspect.

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• More NFL // The Redskins released former Pro Bowl kick returner Jerome Mathis and signed undrafted rookie defensive end J.T. Mapu. ... Defensive tackle Rob Meier signed a four-year contract extension with the Jaguars.

• Horse racing // Eight Belles had no diseases or pre-existing bone abnormalities that caused the filly to break down after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. Autopsy results reviewed by the Associated Press confirm compound fractures of both front legs at the fetlock joints. Eight Belles was euthanized on the track at Churchill Downs after collapsing while jogging about a quarter-mile past the finish line. Stewards found no evidence she was injured during the race.

• NBA // The Suns interviewed Pistons assistant and former Bucks coach Terry Porter for their coaching position, sources told Arizona's East Valley Tribune. ... Pistons All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups has practiced and is expected to be ready for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals. ... Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson (separated shoulder) will miss Game 6 against the Celtics. ... Mike Dunlap is leaving his job as a Nuggets assistant to serve on Lute Olson's staff at the University of Arizona.

• Tennis // Maria Sharapova will assume the No. 1 ranking on the WTA Tour because of Justine Henin's retirement.

• College football // Penn State coach Joe Paterno, 81, is back home after spending several hours at a hospital being treated for dehydration.

• College basketball // Former Southern California star O.J. Mayo has denied allegations that he received cash and gifts from events promoter Rodney Guillory. "I know for a fact that I haven't accepted anything," Mayo told the Los Angeles Times for today's editions. ... Megan Duran, an assistant at Division II Pfeiffer last season, has been hired to coach the Washington College women's team.

• College lacrosse // The Northeast Conference announced the formation of a men's Division I league made up of Mount St. Mary's, Bryant, Quinnipiac, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart and Wagner that will begin play in 2011.

• Swimming // California-based TYR Sport filed a federal lawsuit Monday alleging that rival Speedo, manufacturer of the record-breaking "LZR Racer," has conspired with USA Swimming to stifle competition and lure top athletes away from other companies. Since the LZR Racer's unveiling in mid-February, swimmers wearing the suit have set 37 world records.

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