LAS VEGAS (AP) – Naismith Hall of Fame coach Jerry Tarkanian has died at 84, two days after he was hospitalized with an infection and breathing difficulties. The towel-chewing Tarkanian won the 1990 NCAA championship with UNLV, took the Runnin’ Rebels to four Final Fours and was 509-105 in 19 seasons at the school. He also had great success at Fresno State but was constantly at odds with the NCAA during his 31 years as a Division I head coach.
UNDATED (AP) – A person familiar with the negotiations says the Sacramento Kings and George Karl have agreed to the framework of a deal for him to take over as coach. The plan is for Karl to coach the Kings in their first game following the All-Star break Feb. 20 at home against Boston. Karl has won over 1,100 games and owns a .599 winning percentage in stops at Cleveland, Golden State, Seattle, Milwaukee and Denver.
PEBBLE BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Tiger Woods says his golf is not acceptable for the PGA Tour and he will not return until it is. He says on his website that he wants to play the Honda Classic that starts Feb. 26, but he won’t if he’s not tournament-ready. He was playing poorly at Torrey Pines last week when he withdrew after 11 holes because of tightness in his back, although he says the injury is not related to the back surgery he had last spring.
CHICAGO (AP) – There’s one final game before the NBA All-Star break, which this year lasts through next Wednesday. The Chicago Bulls take a three-game winning streak into tonight’s home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who also have won three in a row and 14 of 15 after routing Miami 113-93 last night.
