Sports News Roundup: Twins fire manager Molitor, Cubs closer Strop on wild-card roster

Seattle takes another step toward joining NHL

Seattle moved a step closer to becoming the National Hockey League's 32nd franchise on Tuesday when the NHL executive board unanimously recommended sending the expansion bid to the board of governors for a vote. Seattle Hockey Partners CEO Tod Leiweke, majority owner billionaire David Bonderman and Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan were part of a group to make a two-hour presentation to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the executive committee at the league's Manhattan headquarters.

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:

Twins fire manager Molitor

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. "I would like to thank Paul for his tremendous dedication to the Minnesota Twins over his last four years as manager of this club," Twins executive vice president, chief baseball officer Derek Falvey said in a release. "Paul's roots here run deep and his commitment to the organization, his staff, and the players are special. I have every hope and desire that he remains a part of this club for many years to come."

Jerry Jones: Running back Elliott hurting, to play vs. Texans

Running back Ezekiel Elliott is banged up and could be limited in practice this week, but Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said the NFL's leading rusher will play Sunday night against the Houston Texans. Elliott had 152 rushing yards and 88 yards receiving, including the over-the-shoulder grab in the fourth quarter that set up a game-winning field goal against Detroit on Sunday, and leads the league in rushing with 426 yards.

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.

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.

Seahawks LB 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.

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.

(With inputs from Reuters)