SPORTS DIGEST || Ohio State QB Jones declares for NFL draft

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.

Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones has announced he will skip his senior season and declare for the NFL draft.

Jones told reporters his decision Wednesday as the seventh-ranked Buckeyes prepare to play No. 8 Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl on Friday.

Jones was Ohio State’s third-string quarterback last season before bursting onto the scene, leading the Buckeyes to a national title after injuries to Braxton Miller and J.T. Barrett.

The junior began this season as Ohio State’s starter before being replaced by Barrett after seven games due to inconsistent play. Jones threw for 1,460 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions. Mobile at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Jones could be an intriguing early-round pick in the draft.

Westminster men fall in Staten Island tourney

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.

Westminster College was unable to hang on to its late lead and lost, 90-80, to Connecticut College in the consolation game of the 14th annual Tournament of Heroes on Wednesday night, which is being hosted by the College of Staten Island.

Westminster led 65-58 after junior Jason Pilarski made a 3-pointer with 11:19 on the clock, but the Titans lost the lead five minutes later and never led again. Three Westminster players scored in double-figures, led by Charlie Wallander with a season-high 18 points. Pilarski added 14 points, while Cameron Pozsgai (Windham) had 12. Brandon Domenick and sophomore Deontay Scott (East) scored nine points each. Pozsgai led the Titans with eight rebounds, while Scott had seven. Domenick added a team-high five assists. Westminster made a season-high 13 three-pointers, led by Pilarski, who tied a career-high with four threes.

San Diego makes final bid to keep Chargers

SAN DIEGO

City and county officials have made their final pitch to the NFL in what has been a contentious effort to keep the Chargers from moving to the Los Angeles area.

Mayor Kevin Faulconer and county Supervisor Ron Roberts signed the letter, which reiterates that the public contribution for a $1.1 billion stadium will be $350 million and the Chargers’ share would be $353 million.

It also says the Chargers have always known that a public vote was required for the project.

The Chargers walked away from negotiations in mid-June and have focused their efforts on building a stadium with their AFC West rivals, the Oakland Raiders, in Carson, an LA suburb.

NFL owners are scheduled to meet in mid-January to address relocation.

Eagles’ owner: Kelly didn’t argue firing

PHILADELPHIA

Eagles CEO Jeffrey Lurie says Chip Kelly didn’t push to keep his coaching job in their final meeting where Kelly was fired. Lurie told reporters Wednesday it was clear during the Tuesday meeting that his mind was made up and Kelly knew he was being let go. Lurie says he decided to fire Kelly before the end of the season to get a jump start on a coaching search and meet with players to talk to them about the decision.

Lurie says the extra six days is important given the chaos of hiring football coaches. Kelly was fired after missing the playoffs for the second straight season .

Rangers sign McKenry to minor league deal

ARLINGTON, Texas

Free-agent catcher Michael McKenry has signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that includes an invitation to major league spring training.

AL West champion Texas also signed left-hander Donnie Veal to a minor league contract on Wednesday.

McKenry has appeared in the majors with Colorado (2010, 2014-15) and Pittsburgh (2012-13). He hit .215 with four homers and 17 RBIs in 59 games for the Rockies last season.

Staff/wire reports