Reuters Sports News Summary

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs. NFL notebook: Steelers clear way for RB Bell to be free agent

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell will be an unrestricted free agent as the team will not use a transition or franchise tag on the three-time Pro Bowler who sat out the entire 2018 season in a contract standoff, general manager Kevin Colbert told reporters Wednesday. "Le'Veon is still a great player. We can't afford to use any other type of tags," Colbert said. "Le'Veon will be an unrestricted free agent at the start of the new league year." Bell later tweeted: "Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I am free at last" Steelers GM: Brown trade requires 'significant compensation'

The Pittsburgh Steelers will attempt to trade disgruntled receiver Antonio Brown this offseason, but general manager Kevin Colbert told reporters Wednesday that they aren't going to give away the All-Pro. "We're not going to move a significant player for less than significant compensation," Colbert said. NHL roundup: Kane, Blackhawks keep rolling

Patrick Kane scored his second goal of the game at 2:42 of overtime and the visiting Chicago Blackhawks won for the 10th time in 12 games, topping the Detroit Red Wings 5-4 on Wednesday. Kane stretched his point streak to 19 games, an NHL high this season. However, his assists streak ended at 17 consecutive games, tied for the third-longest such streak in NHL history. NBA notebook: Knee soreness sidelines Embiid

Joel Embiid's return from the All-Star break is expected to be delayed as the Philadelphia 76ers forward/center is experiencing left knee soreness, the team announced Wednesday. In addition, an MRI on the right knee of guard/forward Furkan Korkmaz revealed a meniscus tear, with a surgical procedure a possibility to repair the injury. Athletics: Free spirit Lyles hip-hopping along medal trail

The rain buffets the training camp tent as Noah Lyles offers up a hip-hop song that has been on his mind. The steady rhythm of the rain and the American sprinter's rapping travel to a different beat, as does Lyles, who, with Usain Bolt's retirement, has become one of the most talked-about athletes in track and field. Shy Osaka must learn to deal with limelight, says Kvitova

Two-times Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova says Naomi Osaka's shyness is a problem for her as she struggles to deal with the increased scrutiny in the wake of her success at the Grand Slams and her rise to the top of the world rankings. A tearful Osaka admitted difficulty in dealing with the attention of being the world's top-ranked woman after a shock defeat by France's Kristina Mladenovic at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday. Golf: Stricker should let players sort out hard feelings: Azinger

United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker should take a hands-off approach to any lingering issues between Patrick Reed and potential 2020 team mates, former winning captain Paul Azinger said on Wednesday. Speaking hours after Stricker had been named to take charge of the next U.S. team, Azinger said it would be premature of Stricker to address any hard feelings before the composition of his team became clearer. NHL notebook: Bruins reportedly acquire Coyle from Wild

The Minnesota Wild have traded forward Charlie Coyle to the Boston Bruins, according to multiple reports Wednesday. Boston is expected to send forward Ryan Donato and a fifth-round draft pick to Minnesota, according to The Athletic, which was first to report the parameters of the deal. Isner powers past Lacko to reach Delray quarters

Second seed John Isner used his powerful serve to overpower Lukas Lacko 6-4 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Delray Beach Open in Florida on Wednesday. Isner dropped only one point on his first serve, and broke his Slovakian opponent three times on the outdoor hardcourt to advance. The big-serving American was also pleased with the way he returned against 133rd-ranked Lacko. MLB notebook: Giants, Phillies reportedly in lead for Harper

Free agent outfielder Bryce Harper, still hunting for a long-term deal, has reportedly turned down multiple offers worth at least $300 million in recent weeks, according to a report Wednesday by Jon Heyman of MLB Network. All eyes are on Harper after the San Diego Padres reportedly agreed this week to give shortstop Manny Machado a 10-year, $300 million deal, the second-biggest in major league history in terms of total value.