SPORTS digest

Scrappers to host Anthem auditions

NILES

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are hosting auditions to perform the National Anthem prior to a Scrappers home game this year at Eastwood Field May 21 between 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Fans interested in auditioning should be prepared to perform the entire National Anthem for a panel of judges. Singers and instrumentalists of all ages are welcome to audition. Those selected to perform the National Anthem will be contacted after the event.

Fans interested in performing the National Anthem but are unable to attend auditions may contact Kate Walsh at kwalsh@mvscrappers.com for more information.

The Scrappers open the 2019 season at Eastwood Field on June 16 against the Batavia Muckdogs at 6:35 p.m.

Brown named 1st team All-PAC in softball

GREENVILLE, Pa.

The Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) announced its 2019 All-PAC Softball teams and annual award winners Wednesday. The All-PAC teams, along with the PAC’s yearly award winners, were determined by vote of the league’s nine head coaches.

Westminster pitcher Madison Brown (East Liverpool) was named first team All-PAC. Brown finished with a 11-10 record, and had a 2.66 earned run average, good for third in the PAC. Brown had 16 complete games, while her 100 strikeouts led the PAC.

Brown was named PAC Pitcher of the Week twice this season and was also named to the PAC Championship All-Tournament team.

It marked the first time since 2016 that a Westminster first-year player has been named first team All-PAC (Kailey Liverman).

Former Browns QB Derek Anderson retires

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.

The Buffalo Bills quarterback Derek Anderson is retiring after 14 seasons.

Anderson informed the NFL of his retirement on Thursday, a day before opening their rookie minicamp.

Anderson’s decision to retire comes as a surprise, after the 35-year-old signed a one-year contract a day after Buffalo closed its season. The Bills lured him out of semi-retirement in October to serve as an experienced backup to then-rookie Josh Allen.

Anderson started two games in place of an injured Allen before being sidelined with a concussion.

Anderson led the Cleveland Browns to a 10-6 record in 2007, the Browns’ last winning season. He was named to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Cardinals sign Murray to four-year deal

TEMPE, Ariz.

The Arizona Cardinals have signed Kyler Murray in time for their rookie minicamp.

Arizona signed the No. 1 overall draft pick to a four-year contract Thursday worth about $35 million with a team option for a fifth. It includes a signing bonus of more than $23 million.

The Cardinals also signed cornerback Byron Murphy, defensive lineman Zach Allen, receiver KeeSean Johnson, offensive lineman Josh Miles and tighter end Caleb Wilson to four-year deals.

Panthers offered tax breaks to relocate

COLUMBIA, S.C.

The South Carolina Senate has agreed to provide $120 million in tax breaks to the Carolina Panthers to move their practice fields and team headquarters out of North Carolina.

The 27-15 vote Thursday came after contentious debate with several senators questioning whether public money should be given to a billionaire NFL owner and the $3.8 billion proposed economic benefit of the new facility is wildly exaggerated.

The bill would exempt the Panthers from paying state income taxes for players, coaches and other employees for 15 years as long as they use the money to build their new complex near Rock Hill.

The team will continue to play games in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Staff/wire report