Thursday, September 1, 2005

Sports briefs

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NHL

Datsyuk, Wings could be getting close to deal

Finally, perhaps, there was a positive sign late Wednesday in the ongoing negotiations between the Red Wings and restricted free agent Pavel Datsyuk.

A report in today's Soviet Sport newspaper in Russia indicated Datsyuk was a last-minute no-show as the Russian national team left Moscow Wednesday for today's EuroTour game against Sweden in St. Petersburg, Russia. Datsyuk had been practicing with the national team this past week.

Datsyuk's agent, Gary Greenstin, last week told The Detroit News he wanted to have the framework for a new deal for Datsyuk in place by Sept. 1. He also said Datsyuk faced a Sept. 5 deadline for signing with Moscow Dynamo, the Russian SuperLeague team he played for last season during the NHL lockout.

Last weekend, Datsyuk, 27, rejected multiple contract offers from the Wings, ranging from 1-5 years in length. Greenstin, who met with Datsyuk in Moscow earlier this week, is believed to have faxed the Wings a counteroffer either Tuesday or Wednesday -- a three-year deal appears to be the common ground -- but neither Greenstin nor Wings general manager Ken Holland could be reached for comment Wednesday.

John Niyo

NBA

Pistons are likely to obtain Evans

The waiting is almost over for swingman Maurice Evans and the Pistons.

Evans, a restricted free agent, signed a three-year, $4.5 million offer sheet from the Pistons on Aug. 24. Then he had wait seven days to allow the Sacramento Kings to match it. The Kings said immediately they had no plans -- or means -- to match the Pistons' offer.

So the seven days have gone by quietly, and the Pistons are expected Friday to announce Evans officially is on the roster.

"I think the fans are going to fall in love with Maurice," said Roger Montgomery, Evans' agent, Wednesday night.

Evans, who is 6-feet-5, is expected to serve as a backup for forward Tayshaun Prince and shooting guard Rip Hamilton.

Joanne C. Gerstner

Finley reportedly headed to Spurs

Prized free-agent shooting guard Michael Finley has decided to sign with the San Antonio Spurs.

Phoenix Suns president Bryan Colangelo said he was informed of the decision by Finley's agent, Henry Thomas. The Spurs did not confirm Finley's decision.

• The Seattle SuperSonics signed free-agent center and ex-Piston Mikki Moore, 29. He was with the Los Angeles Clippers last season.

Football

MSU's luxury suites 'dry' for Saturday

Alcohol can't be consumed in Spartan Stadium's new luxury suites -- at least during the first game.

Michigan State president Lou Anna Simon decided to not allow alcohol inside the stadium's $64 million expansion for Saturday's game against Kent State. It's unclear whether Simon's decision will stand for the whole season.

• Seattle signed former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Peter Warrick to a one-year, $1.4 million contract, agent Drew Rosenhaus said. The Seahawks didn't comment.

Thrashers' Hartley receives extension

The Atlanta Thrashers gave coach Bob Hartley a one-year contract extension through the 2006-07 season.

Since he was hired midway through the 2002-03 season, Hartley is 52-56-13, including a franchise-best 33-37-8-4 record in 2004-05, his first full season.

• Boston Bruins coach Mike Sullivan has been named an assistant coach on the 2006 U.S. Olympic team.

Detroit News wire services contributed.