Paterno hospitalized after practice injury

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Penn State says Joe Paterno was hospitalized and undergoing tests on his right arm and hip after a player ran into him during practice Sunday.

Paterno was admitted Sunday evening to Mount Nittany Medical Center after he walked away from the collision with a receiver who was running a route, the school announced Monday.

The 84-year-old Paterno said in a statement: “I expect to be back at practice soon. I’m doing fine; tell everyone not to worry about me.”

Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, Penn State director of athletic medicine, said that it doesn’t appear surgery will be required.

The school said Monday afternoon that Paterno could be released in the next 24 hours.

Paterno conducted Monday morning’s coaches meeting by phone from the hospital, according to Penn State.

James ‘optimistic’

season will be saved

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James says he is so “optimistic” that the coming NBA season will be played that he is not considering any possible international options — except for the 2012 Olympics.

In an interview with The Associated Press, James says he is committed to helping the United States defend its gold medal at next summer’s London Games. James has been working in Houston with Hakeem Olajuwon this offseason, and insists he will be “even better” this coming season for the Miami Heat, who lost in the NBA finals.

Stringer death final lawsuit settled

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A settlement has been reached in the final lawsuit stemming from the heat stroke death of Minnesota Vikings lineman Korey Stringer 10 years ago, his family announced Monday.

Terms of the settlement between Stringer’s widow, Kelci Stringer, and Chicago-based helmet and shoulder pads-maker Riddell Inc. were not disclosed, said James Gould, who was Korey Stringer’s agent and serves as a family spokesman.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Ohio in 2003, alleged Riddell failed to warn players and coaches that wearing its helmets and shoulder pads in hot temperatures could be dangerous. The family reached separate settlements earlier with the NFL and other defendants.

Korey Stringer died Aug. 1, 2001, after collapsing on a sweltering day in training camp in Mankato. His death prompted teams to monitor their players more closely during the hot weather and long practices typical of August training camps.

Longhorns’ safety

arrested, suspended

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas senior safety Christian Scott has been suspended from the team after being arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault with bodily injury.

An Austin police spokeswoman says Scott was arrested Monday morning near his apartment after officers responded to a call about an assault. Further details were not immediately released.

The charge is a Class A misdemeanor which brings a maximum of one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.

Coach Mack Brown said in a statement Monday evening that Scott was suspended from “all activities with our football team.” He says when the legal process is complete, “we will do what’s best” for the school, Scott and the team.

Scott started 10 games last season and had 53 tackles and one interception as Texas finished 5-7.