SPORTS digest

YSU announces confernce schedule

Youngstown State’s men’s basketball team released its Horizon League Schedule on Wednesday. The Penguins start league play with a home contest against Milwaukee on Dec. 29 and Green Bay on New Year’s Eve. For more info, visit ysusports.com.

Brees, Saints extend contract

METAIRIE, La.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees has agreed to a contract extension with the Saints and a person familiar with the deal says it will keep Brees in New Orleans through at least 2017 and guarantee him $44.3 million.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because details of the extension had not been announced.

The contract runs for five years, starting this season, and includes a $30 million bonus that, for now, can be prorated over that period to substantially reduce the $30 million Brees’ old contract would have counted against the Saints’ salary cap this season. However, the final three seasons are voidable, meaning the Saints and Brees, who turns 38 in January, will have to revisit the possibility of another extension next year.

Goodell not a fan of Kaepernick

NEW YORK

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell disagrees with Colin Kaepernick’s choice to kneel during the national anthem, but recognizes the quarterback’s right to protest.

Asked by The Associated Press about Kaepernick’s decision not to stand before games when the national anthem is played, Goodell said Wednesday: “I don’t necessarily agree with what he is doing.”

“I support our players when they want to see change in society, and we don’t live in a perfect society,” Goodell added. “On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL. I personally believe very strongly in that.”

Goodell added that NFL players having a visible platform for their viewpoints. With that comes responsibility to use those platforms properly.

Lebron sings Happy Birthday to teammate

CLEVELAND

LeBron James has serenaded teammate Kevin Love on his birthday.

Cleveland’s superstar posted an Instagram message to Love on Wednesday, the forward’s 28th birthday. Signing way off-key, James belts out “Happy Birthday” and points his camera toward a Sports Illustrated cover of a serious Love when he played at UCLA. James even interjects “smile” as he “sings.”

James captioned the photo with: “Happy Bday to my guy/bro @kevinlove!!! Enjoy to the fullest. All love for Love! #MyVocalsAreNice #Automatic #Worrrrrkkkkk Hahahaha.”

James and Love captured an NBA title together earlier this summer as the Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit to stun the Golden State Warriors in the finals.

NWSL’s Reign supports Rapinoe

SEATTLE

The Seattle Reign of the National Women’s Soccer League are standing by midfielder Megan Rapinoe’s decision to kneel during the national anthem in support of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Kaepernick is refusing to stand during the anthem in protest of police brutality and oppression of minorities in America and Rapinoe knelt during the anthem before a game Sunday, recognizing Kaepernick’s right to protest.

In a statement Wednesday, the team said it recognizes Rapinoe’s action “was offensive to some and a source of inspiration to others.”

“We will continue to encourage all Reign FC players to participate in the pre-match ceremony, which honors those who have served and made sacrifices on our behalf,” the statement said. “We will also continue to allow players to participate in the pre-match ceremony in a manner consistent with their personal beliefs, reflecting our respect for the rights earned and defended by those fighting for our nation.”

Staff/wire report