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NEW ORLEANS (AP) The New Orleans Pelicans have decided to fire ninth-year general manager Dell Demps and start the process of finding someone to deal with the fallout of All-Star Anthony Davis' recent trade demand.

Demps' dismissal comes after Davis said in late January that he would not sign an extension with New Orleans and wants to be traded to a contending team.

"As difficult as these decisions are, my responsibility is to provide the leadership and resources necessary to deliver a winning team to our fans and community," Pelicans owner Gayle Benson said Friday in a written statement. "I take that responsibility seriously and would like to assure our fans that I am prepared to provide any, and all, resources required to compete for championships."

NFL settles Kaepernick, Reid lawsuits

NEW YORK (AP) With a public hearing looming and the threat of owners and league officials facing depositions, the NFL settled collusion cases brought by Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid.

The league, about to celebrate its 100th season, faced criticism from all sides thanks to the protest movement started by Kaepernick. Many Kaepernick supporters wanted to see him back on the field, while other fans said they wouldn't watch if the league allowed players to protest during the national anthem. (MORE)

Sarkisian returns to Alabama as OC
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Steve Sarkisian is returning to Alabama as offensive coordinator, a position he held for the 2016 team for the national championship game loss to Clemson. Alabama coach Nick Saban announced the hiring of Sarkisian and six other assistants on Friday, along with the promotion of Pete Golding to defensive coordinator. (MORE)

Yankees, Severino agree on 4 years, $40M

NEW YORK (AP) Right-hander Luis Severino avoided an arbitration hearing with the New York Yankees, agreeing Friday to a $40 million, four-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Severino's deal includes a team option for 2023 that could make the agreement worth $52.25 million for five seasons. If the option is not exercised, Severino would be eligible for free agency after the 2022 season. (MORE)

Westphal, Sikma among Hall finalists
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Paul Westphal says it's an honor these days to have anyone remember that he played basketball. The Hall of Fame obviously remembers. (MORE)

Pelicans' Davis day-to-day with bruise
NEW ORLEANS (AP) A person familiar with the situation says an MRI on Anthony Davis' injured left shoulder showed a muscle bruise. The person says Davis' timetable for a return is day-to-day. The person spoke to The Associated Press Friday on condition of anonymity because the examination results have not been announced. (MORE)

Kuchar apologizes, will pay caddie $50K
LOS ANGELES (AP) Matt Kuchar apologized Friday for what he said were insensitive comments about the caddie he used at the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico last fall and said he would pay the $50,000 the caddie requested. He also said he would make a donation to the tournament to be distributed to charities in the Cancun area. (MORE)

Nuggets extend Connelly, front office
DENVER (AP) Tim Connelly and the front office have assembled a Denver Nuggets team that's reaching new heights this season. For that, extensions all around. (MORE)

Cubs' Russell apologizes for behavior
MESA, Ariz. (AP) Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell apologized Friday for the "hurt" and "pain" he caused his ex-wife but didn't detail what prompted a 40-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy. "My past behaviors were wrong and unacceptable," he said. (MORE)

Broncos to decline LB Marshall's option