Sports News Round Up: Severino wild card game starter, Molitor out as manager and lot more

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Yankees name Severino wild-card game starter

The New York Yankees want another crack at the Boston Red Sox, and they're hoping Luis Severino will deliver it to them. Manager Aaron Boone on Tuesday announced the right-handed 19-game winner will start for the Yankees against the Oakland A's on Wednesday in the American League wild-card game.

Details of pay-for-play come out in college hoops bribery trial

The federal college basketball corruption trial got off to an explosive start on Tuesday, as a defence attorney reportedly acknowledged an Adidas executive made numerous payments to players and recruits, all in violation of NCAA rules. Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel reported Tuesday that attorney Casey Donnelly said in her opening statement that her client, Jim Gatto, acknowledged committing numerous NCAA violations. Specifically, Gatto admits to:

MLB notebook: Molitor out as Twins manager

Paul Molitor was fired as manager of the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, though he has an offer to remain with the club in the front office. Molitor was named American League Manager of the Year just last season and was fired with two years remaining on his contract. He posted a 305-343 record in four seasons as a skipper in Minnesota.

Belichick: Vinatieri greatest kicker of all time

Adam Vinatieri has made more field goals than any kicker in NFL history, and a good chunk of those are seared into the memory of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. With the Patriots preparing to host the Indianapolis Colts and Vinatieri on Thursday night, Belichick voluntarily took a stroll down memory lane to revisit what Vinatieri meant to the New England franchise.

NHL notebook: Committee recommends Seattle expansion

The NHL executive committee recommended Tuesday that Seattle receive an expansion franchise, according to commissioner Gary Bettman. Seattle Hockey Partners made a formal presentation in front of the committee on Tuesday. The vote was 9-0 in favour of Seattle being awarded an NHL franchise.

Ugly celebration reaps dividends for Jets' Crowell

New York Jets running back Isaiah Crowell is cashing in after he celebrated a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns by simulating wiping his backside with a football. Crowell is promoting a product called DUDE Wipes, and he and the company posted pictures to their social-media accounts Tuesday showing the fifth-year pro and first-year Jet holding boxes of the product.

Browns WR Callaway pleads not guilty to marijuana charge - Report

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway, looking to avoid discipline from the NFL, last week pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanour charges -- marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license -- NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. Citing Callaway's attorney, Kevin Spellacy, Pelissero reported the case will now go to Berea (Ohio) Municipal Court and probably won't even get on the docket for weeks.

Cubs closer Strop on wild-card roster

Closer Pedro Strop was on the 25-man wild card roster submitted by the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, marking his return from a hamstring injury. Right-handed reliever Carl Edwards, who experienced forearm discomfort, was not on the roster.

Report: McCaw declines Warriors' $4 million offer

Patrick McCaw did not sign a qualifying offer and rejected a two-year, $4 million contract from the Golden State Warriors, according to multiple reports. McCaw, 22, is in roster limbo as the Warriors are reportedly weighing how to move forward with the restricted free agent.

NFL notebook: Seahawks' Kendricks suspended indefinitely

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for his involvement in insider trader, multiple outlets reported Tuesday. The NFL found that Kendricks' actions violated the league's personal conduct policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)