Sports briefly: Globetrotters great 'Curly' Neal dies

Fred "Curly" Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.

The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.

Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the '70s and '80s, appearing on TV shows and specials such as "The Ed Sullivan Show," "Love Boat" and "Gilligan's Island."

nfl

Jacksonville and cornerback Darqueze Dennard have parted ways nine days after agreeing to a three-year, $13.5 million contract in free agency when "the two sides could not come to an agreement on the final contract terms."

• The Bears finalized a two-year contract with former All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, he has 7,883 yards receiving and 74 touchdown catches in 10 seasons with New Orleans, Seattle and Green Bay. He had 447 yards and three touchdowns for Green Bay last season.

The Indianapolis 500 scheduled for May 24 has been postponed until August because of the coronavirus pandemic and won't run on Memorial Day weekend for the first time since 1946.

The race will instead be held Aug. 23.

IndyCar was supposed to resume racing May 9 on the road course at Indianapolis. That race will now be run on July 4, a day before NASCAR races at The Brickyard.

Brees family to donate $5M

Saints quarterback Drew Brees says he and his wife, Brittany, will donate $5 million to help Louisiana businesses and communities contend with challenges brought on by the rapid transmission of the coronavirus in the state.

Avalanche player has virus

The Colorado Avalanche says one of their players has recovered after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. The player was at home in isolation since the symptoms first appeared.

• Hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer has shifted from making visors for helmets to medical visors for those fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

• Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano has tested positive for the coronavirus and will be in quarantine for two weeks.

NCAA: The NCAA will distribute $225 million to its Division I members in June. That total is $375 million less than had been budgeted because the coronavirus outbreak forced the cancellation of the men's basketball tournament.

Basketball: Australia will host the women's basketball World Cup in 2022 after winning a bidding contest with Russia.