nfl
Bears ink Cutler to a 7-year contract extension
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Chicago Bears signed quarterback Jay Cutler to a seven-year contract.
The move was announced Thursday, and it came after some speculation that the Bears might part with Cutler after five years. Terms were not disclosed.
In his first season with new coach Marc Trestman, Cutler and the Bears offense set a franchise record for total net yards (6,109) and piled up 445 points, second in team history. He is the franchise leader in passer rating (83.1), passing yards (14,913), passing yards per game (222.6), attempts (2,090) and completions (1,258).
In 67 regular season starts with the franchise, Cutler has directed the Bears to a 39-28 (.582) record. The eight-year pro from Vanderbilt helped the Bears reach the NFC championship game following the 2010 regular season.
Former Vikings punter accuses coach of anti-gay comments
MINNEAPOLIS – Former Minnesota punter Chris Kluwe said his special teams coordinator made anti-gay comments while Kluwe was with the Vikings, an allegation the coach “vehemently denies.”
In an article posted Thursday on the website Deadspin, Kluwe wrote that coach Mike Priefer made several anti-gay comments in objection to Kluwe’s outspoken opposition of an anti-gay marriage amendment in Minnesota.
Kluwe also said former Vikings coach Leslie Frazier and current general manager Rick Spielman encouraged him to tone down his rhetoric in an effort to reduce distractions to the team. At the same time, Kluwe said, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf expressed support for Kluwe’s championing of gay rights.
Hours later, Priefer issued a statement disputing Kluwe’s portrayal of the events.
“I want to be clear that I do not tolerate discrimination of any type and am respectful of all individuals,” Priefer said. “I personally have gay family members who I love and support just as I do any family member.”
The Vikings said in a statement that they take the allegations “very seriously and will thoroughly review this matter.”
Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride retires
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Kevin Gilbride retired Thursday as offensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
The 62-year-old Gilbride, a veteran of 39 years in coaching, said Thursday he wants to devote more time to his family.
He spent the last decade with the Giants, winning two Super Bowls, but was under pressure this season for New York’s inconsistent performance on offense. With injuries to the offensive line and at running back, the Giants scored 294 points, the lowest total of the Tom Coughlin era. They finished 28th in the NFL in total yards (307.5 a game), 29th in yards rushing per game (83.3) and 30th in yards per carry (3.5). Eli Manning threw a career-high and franchise-record 27 interceptions against 18 touchdown passes.
Gilbride was quarterbacks coach in his first three seasons with the Giants, helping in Manning’s development.
golf
Scott clips Woods in GWAA golfer of the year voting
KAPALUA, Hawaii – Adam Scott narrowly beat out Tiger Woods as player of the year in voting by the Golf Writers Association of America.
The GWAA takes into account more than just the PGA Tour. Scott won four times, including the Masters, and joined Jason Day in winning the World Cup for Australia. Out of 218 votes cast, Scott won the honor by five votes.
Woods won five times on the PGA Tour but no majors. He also won the money title and Vardon Trophy for lowest scoring average. Woods previously won player of the year by the PGA Tour and the PGA of America.
Scott also won The Barclays, the Australian PGA and the Australian Masters.
Inbee Park and Kenny Perry were runaway winners for female and senior players of the year.
Associated Press
