Ochocinco returns

to Chad Johnson

MIAMI (AP) — Chad Ochocinco is officially no more. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver has changed his name back to the original Chad Johnson.

Johnson legally changed his name Monday in an appearance at the Broward County Courthouse. The change he announced via Twitter quickly follows his July Fourth marriage to Evelyn Lozada of TV’s “Basketball Wives” fame.

Johnson was known as “Ochocinco” for the past four seasons. The name was a playful reference to the No. 85 he wore on his jersey.

Johnson was a six-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins earlier this year after being cut by the New England Patriots.

For his NFL career, Johnson has 766 receptions for 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns.

 

 

Rees apologizes;

gets community work

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Quarterback Tommy Rees is apologizing to the police, Notre Dame and fans after pleading guilty to misdemeanor resisting law enforcement and illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Reese issued a statement after entering his guilty pleas Monday. He says he accepts full responsibility for his actions May 3 when he was arrested outside an off-campus party in South Bend, Ind.

Under a plea agreement, the 20-year-old junior quarterback will perform 50 hours of community service and write a letter of apology to police. He also received a 30-day suspended jail sentence and 11 months of probation.

Prosecutors have agreed to dismiss one count of resisting law enforcement and a battery count.

Reese says he’s dedicated to winning back the trust and confidence of the people he has disappointed.

 

Gophers, Smith OK

contract extension

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota coach Tubby Smith agreed to terms Monday on a contract extension with the university through the 2016-17 season by adding three more years to his original deal.

Talks first began between Smith’s agent and school officials during the 2010-11 season. After roughly a year and a half, the two sides finally reached a point where they were comfortable with both the language and the timing of the contract.

Terms of the deal weren’t immediately available. Smith’s original contract was signed for seven years and about $1.8 million annually.