Sports News Roundup: Hamilton on pole in Brazil; Fed Cup final; Twins icon Mauer announces retirement

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Reports: Saints WR Thomas fined $30K

New Orleans Saints star receiver Michael Thomas was fined $30,000 by the NFL for using a cellphone as a prop during a touchdown celebration last Sunday, multiple outlets reported Saturday. Thomas' actions occurred after he caught a 72-yard touchdown pass during a 45-35 victory over the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Rams.

NHL roundup: Wheeler's 5-point night jolts Jets past Avs

Blake Wheeler had a goal and four assists and Mark Scheifele added a goal and two assists to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 5-2 victory over the visiting Colorado Avalanche on Friday night. It was the first five-point game in the career of the 31-year-old Wheeler, who has scored 20 or more goals in each of the last five seasons.

NBA roundup: Aldridge double-double leads Spurs over Rockets

LaMarcus Aldridge posted a double-double and paced the host San Antonio Spurs to a 96-89 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday in the first meeting this season between the Southwest Division rivals. Aldridge finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Derrick White added 14 points and eight assists.

Report: Timberwolves to trade Butler to Sixers

The Minnesota Timberwolves are ending the drama surrounding Jimmy Butler after agreeing to trade the disgruntled superstar to the Philadelphia 76ers, according to an ESPN report on Saturday. Details of the trade, reported by Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe, were not disclosed. Wojnarowski reported that the league trade call and physicals are scheduled for Monday, and the earliest Butler will make his team debut likely will be Wednesday night when the 76ers visit the Orlando Magic.

Warriors star Curry out at least a game with injury

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry has been ruled out of Saturday's game against the Brooklyn Nets because of a mild to moderate groin strain, the team announced Friday. Curry underwent an MRI exam earlier in the day, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr found the results "encouraging," but he said Curry was disappointed.

Twins icon Mauer announces retirement

Longtime Minnesota Twins star Joe Mauer announced his retirement on Friday in a letter to fans. The 2009 American League MVP said health and family were the primary reason he was stepping away from the game after 15 seasons.

Czechs take 2-0 lead against United States in Fed Cup final

World doubles number one Katerina Siniakova helped the Czech Republic to sweep the opening-day matches in the Fed Cup final against defending champions the United States on Saturday, overpowering Alison Riske 6-3 7-6(2). The Czech team, facing a U.S. squad without their top players and fielding three debutantes, will take a 2-0 lead into Sunday as they seek a sixth Fed Cup title since 2011.

Hamilton on pole in Brazil, Vettel alongside

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton gave Mercedes their 100th pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, fined and reprimanded for a weighbridge incident, starting alongside. The pole, in a rain-affected session at Interlagos, was a record-extending 82nd of Hamilton's career and his 10th of a season that has already seen the Briton clinch his fifth world championship.

NFL notebook: Steelers' Bell unlikely to report by deadline

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is unlikely to report to the team before Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, meaning he will likely miss the entire 2018 season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday. According to the report, Bell's camp has nothing to say and will not discuss with reporters the 26-year-old back's plans for the coming week. Bell will not be eligible to play this season if he does not sign his franchise tag tender before Tuesday's deadline.

Kuchar surges to four-stroke lead in Mexico

Matt Kuchar, seeking his first win in four years, grabbed a four-stroke third-round lead with another dominating performance at the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico on Saturday. Kuchar rolled in seven birdies to shoot 65 as he dipped to 20-under-par 193 at the El Camaleon in Playa del Carmen.

(With inputs from Reuters)