NFL owners mull cut of regular-season overtime to 10 minutes:

NEW YORK — NFL owners will consider proposals next week to cut regular-season overtime from 15 minutes to 10; eliminate players leaping over the line on kick plays; and expansion of coaches’ challenges and what can be reviewed by officials.

In what promises to be a busy annual meeting next week in Phoenix that will include discussing the Raiders’ potential relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas, the 32 owners also will vote on changing the mechanics on replay reviews and other items intended to reduce downtime during games. The Eagles proposed four rules changes, including abolishing the leaping techniques that league football operations director Troy Vincent said Thursday “don’t belong in the game.” Seattle and Buffalo co-authored a proposal allowing a coach to challenge any officiating decision, whether a foul is called or not. Another major change would be the reduction of overtime in-season; the extra period in the playoffs would remain at 15 minutes. The powerful competition committee believed it’s a player safety issue, noting that number of snaps for games going to OT — especially deep into the overtime — is excessive. Especially if a team has a quick turnaround.

Former NFL running back Trent Richardson denies abuse:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Former NFL and Alabama running back Trent Richardson is denying charges that he hit his former girlfriend, who is the mother of his four children. He says his February arrest in suburban Birmingham happened after former girlfriend Sevina Fatu punched him and pulled out some of his hair. Fatu was arrested Monday night in Pensacola, Florida. Police say she rammed a Mercedes-Benz SUV into a car containing Richardson and another person. Records show Fatu was released from jail Wednesday. The former Alabama star is trying to get back to the NFL after spending four seasons at Cleveland and Indianapolis. He has been cut by the Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Ravens in recent years.

NHL suspends Sabres defenseman Ristolainen 3 games:

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The NHL has suspended Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen for three games following his blindside hit that led to Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel sustaining a concussion. The fine costs Buffalo’s top defenseman $90,000 in a ruling announced Thursday, shortly after Ristolainen had a hearing with the league’s department of player safety. The hit occurred about nine minutes into Pittsburgh’s 3-1 win at Buffalo on Tuesday. Guentzel was exiting Pittsburgh’s zone when a pass intended for him was broken up along the left boards. As Guentzel turned to look back, he was bowled over by Ristolainen. Guentzel got up briefly before stumbling to the ice and didn’t return after being escorted to the locker room. Ristolainen was issued a five-minute major for interference and ejected from the game.

Sacramento Kings’ Ty Lawson denies violating DUI probation:

DENVER — Sacramento Kings point guard Ty Lawson has denied that he violated his probation in a Colorado drunken driving case by drinking and failing to complete community service. Lawson and his attorney Harvey Steinberg made the assertion Thursday during a brief appearance in a Denver courtroom. In addition, Steinberg said Lawson wanted a device that would randomly test him for alcohol consumption so he could prove he’s not drinking. The judge agreed and plans to hold a hearing in May before deciding whether the former Denver Nugget should get a more severe punishment. Probation officials allege Lawson tested positive for alcohol three times in the past six months. He was arrested twice on drunken driving charges in 2015, first in Denver and then in Los Angeles.

Windy City Bulls take down Iowa:

The Windy City Bulls beat Iowa 103-100 on Thursday night. Cartier Martin had 23 points, Alfonzo McKinnie had 21 points, and Cameron Payne had 14 points in the win. Wesley Saunders almost had a triple-double with 9 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.

Three Red Stars named to national roster:

The U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis named a 24-player training camp roster for two matches against Russia, and three Red Stars players were chosen: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Short and Christen Press. The matches will be on April 6 and 9 in Texas.