Thursday's sports briefs

A Brigham Young basketball star has been suspended from the nationally ranked team for the remainder of the season because he violated the Mormon-run school's honor code that prohibits premarital sex.

Brandon Davies, a 19-year-old sophomore, acknowledged his transgression to BYU officials on Monday, multiple sources told the Salt Lake Tribune.

As March Madness approaches, BYU had been expected to gain a top seed in the NCAA tournament. The loss of Davies, the team's starting center, puts a big crimp in those plans.

Cougars coach Dave Rose addressed Davies' dismissal on Wednesday after the team lost for only the third time this season, saying, "I think it was a surprise to everyone."

Asked whether he believes Davies will play basketball for BYU again, Rose said, "Yeah, I do."

Two of Davies' teammates, Jimmer Fredette and Charles Abouo, said they stand behind their former teammate and have no resentment toward him. "Everyone makes mistakes in their life," Abouo said. "We are reaching out and trying to help him get through this."

According to a source close to the program, Davies was "extremely remorseful, heartbroken," but has accepted the punishment doled out by the school.

In other college basketball news: The attorney for the 18-year-old charged with stabbing Middle Tennessee State guard Tina Stewart to death says his client turned the basketball player's own knife on her during a fight.

Joe Brandon says the roommates started fighting Wednesday night when Shanterrica Madden turned the knife in Stewart's possession onto the junior guard.

An MTSU freshman, Madden is being held without bond on a charge of first-degree murder. Her attorney won a request that Madden be photographed by police to document her swollen eyes and an abrasion above her left eye as proof of the fight. ... A grand jury cleared Baylor guard LaceDarius Dunn of an assault charge that led to his suspension at the start of this season.

Hawk signs 5-year deal with Pack A.J. Hawk signed a five-year deal with the Packers just one day after he was released in a cost-cutting move. Hawk, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2011. When the Packers released him Wednesday, they did so with the hope that they could bring him back at a reduced salary.

Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said the business side of the game drove the decision to release Hawk and he was hopeful Hawk would return. Hawk was free to negotiate with other teams after his release, but clearly focused on the Packers. The Packers released two other players Wednesday, tight end Donald Lee and safety Derrick Martin.

In other NFL news: Running back Pierre Thomas agreed to a four-year contract with the Saints. ... Safety Bob Sanders agreed to a one-year deal with the Chargers. ... The Panthers came to terms with four-time Pro Bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey on a one-year deal. ... Pro Bowl tight end Owen Daniels agreed to a new contract with the Texans for a reported four years and $22 million. ... The Raiders will not bring back offensive lineman Robert Gallery next season. ... Former Lions receiver Tommy Boyd pleaded guilty to a second-degree criminal sexual conduct charge on accusations involving a then-14-year-old girl has been sentenced to spend two to 15 years in prison.

Levin leads windy Honda Classic Spencer Levin shot a 3-under-par 67 for a 1-shot lead over five others at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on a windy day that played havoc with the scores. The first round was suspended because of darkness with 12 players still on the course. Y.E. Yang, the 2009 champion, shot a 68 and is one stroke back. Defending champion Camilo Villegas had a 79 and still finished ahead of six players. Eight of 144 broke par. Tied with Yang one shot off the lead were 1997 champion Stuart Appleby, Kyle Stanley, Greg Chalmers and Charl Schwartzel, playing his first round on the tour this year.

College football: Washington running back Johri Fogerson was arrested for investigation of resisting arrest and possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana, taken into custody after running from police following a traffic stop.

WIRE REPORTS