GOLF: Willis’ 65 leads at Innisbrook
Garrett Willis, who received a sponsor exemption, opened with a 6-under 65 at the Transitions Championship in Palm Harbor, Fla. Two shots back were six golfers, including defending champion Retief Goosen and Jeff Maggert, who got into the tournament as an alternate when Vijay Singh withdrew with a back injury.
MLB: M’s complete Kotchman deal
The Mariners completed their January trade for first baseman Casey Kotchman by sending right-handed pitcher Miguel Celestino to the Red Sox. Boston earlier had received outfielder Bill Hall as part of the deal.
* Two Dominican Summer League players were suspended following positive tests for steroids under baseball’s minor league drug program. Cubs outfielder Gregorio Robles has tested positive twice for a banned PED. His 100-game suspension will begin with the start of the 2010 season. He still has 43 games left to serve on a previous 50-game penalty. Indians pitcher Jeffry Cleto was banned 50 games for a first offense.
NHL: Wisniewski banned 8 games
Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski was suspended for eight games without pay for delivering a hit to the head area of Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook on Wednesday night.
NFL: Chargers trade Whitehurst
The Chargers traded third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst to the Seahawks. Seattle also gave San Diego a 2011 pick, believed to be a third-rounder.
* Two days after joining the Eagles in a trade, Darryl Tapp signed a three-year contract. He will compete for a starting spot at left defensive end after playing four seasons in Seattle. . . . The 49ers are cutting ties with GM Scot McCloughan over a personal matter not related to team issues.
BOXING: Mayweather OKs drug test
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and welterweight champion Shane Mosley will undergo Olympic-style drug testing for their May 1 fight in Las Vegas, which they hope will set a new standard for boxing.
Mayweather’s insistence on Olympic-style testing is the main reason negotiations fell through in January for a fight against Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather wanted blood tests up to 14 days before the fight, while Pacquiao claims he feels weak after drawing blood and would not agree to testing within 24 days.