Ex-NFL player McKnight killed in argument with motorist:

Former NFL player Joe McKnight was shot to death Thursday following an argument at an intersection with another motorist. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said the incident happened about 2:43 p.m. Thursday in Terrytown, a suburb of New Orleans. The 28-year-old running back was standing outside his car when he was shot.

Patriots’ Gronkowski to undergo back surgery:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Rob Gronkowski is having surgery for a herniated disk in his back, a person with knowledge of the details said anonymously. He’s likely to be out for eight weeks or more. The Super Bowl is scheduled for Houston on Feb. 5, should the Patriots get that far.

Cardinals send LHP Garcia to Braves for 3 prospects:

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves made another move in the dramatic offseason retooling of their rotation on Thursday by acquiring left-hander Jaime Garcia from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals got a trio of prospects, including second baseman Luke Dykstra, the son of former All-Star Lenny Dykstra. The Cardinals also landed right-handers John Gant and Chris Ellis.

Volquez finalizes $22 million, 2-year contract with Marlins:

MIAMI — Edinson Volquez admits he was “tired” toward the second half of last season. That attributed to his bloated 5.37 ERA, he said. The 33-year-old right-hander, fresh off completing his $22 million, two-year contract with the Miami Marlins, assured everyone Friday that he is now rested and ready to go.

Smokeless tobacco to take a dip among newcomers:

SAN FRANCISCO — Players new to the majors won’t be able to dip next year without risk of penalty, according to a provision under baseball’s tentative five-year labor agreement reached late Wednesday.

Northwestern center Pardon undergoes hand surgery:

After injuring a hand against Wake Forest on Monday, Northwestern center Dererk Pardon underwent successful surgery Thursday morning, team officials announced. The Wildcats defeated Wake Forest 65-58 in that game, with Pardon injuring his hand in the second half after playing 16 minutes and contributing 6 rebounds and 2 points. Pardon, a 6-foot-8 sophomore from Cleveland, was averaging 6.9 points per game and 7.0 rebounds. According to NU officials, Pardon will be re-evaluated in late December before the start of conference play.