Update on the latest in sports:
NFL-SUPER BOWL-SNOW JAM
Atlanta sounds alarm over snow; New England fans unfazed
UNDATED (AP) — Atlanta got a mere spritzing of rain Tuesday, hours after a winter weather forecast prompted authorities to close government offices, shutter schools and cancel flights in anticipation of icy streets.
But the southern city was experiencing abnormally frosty conditions as fans arrived for the Super Bowl, with temperatures dropping into the 30s on Tuesday.
New England Patriots fans in town for the game did not panic. Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick was holed up in the team’s hotel downtown, and was oblivious to the weather conditions.
Some snow from the feared storm did fall Tuesday in Georgia’s northwest corner, but it was sweater weather during Atlanta’s morning commute
In other NFL news:
— The Kansas City Chiefs are planning more than $10 million in upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs announced that the renovations will include a “modernization” of the Arrowvision scoreboard, along with waterproofing and new seats — with cup holders — in the stadium’s upper deck. The work could begin next week. The Kansas City Star reports the Chiefs are paying for the work but can ask in the future to be reimbursed by the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.
— The Green Bay Packers are bringing back Luke Getsy, this time as their quarterbacks coach to work with Aaron Rodgers. Getsy spent four seasons on former coach Mike McCarthy’s staff before leaving to become Mississippi State’s offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach last year.
— The Chicago Bears have hired Mark DeLeone as inside linebackers coach. DeLeone spent the past six seasons on Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City and worked with Bears coach Matt Nagy from 2013-17. DeLeone worked with Pro Bowl linebackers such as Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali and Justin Houston in Kansas City. Houston set a franchise record with 22 sacks in 2014.
— The Washington Redskins have promoted Kevin O’Connell to offensive coordinator after he previously served as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. The team announced O’Connell’s promotion along with other changes to Jay Gruden’s coaching staff. Matt Cavanaugh, who had been offensive coordinator the past two seasons, is now the Redskins’ senior offensive assistant.
MLB-BLUE JAYS-GALVIS
Freddy Galvis, Blue Jays agree to one-year deal
UNDATED (AP) — Infielder Freddy Galvis and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract.
The deal announced Tuesday includes a $4 million salary this year and a $5.5 million club option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout.
Galvis, who can earn additional award bonuses, took a cut from his $6,825,000 salary in 2018.
He hit .248 with 31 doubles, five triples and 13 homers for San Diego last year, playing in all 162 games for the second straight season. The 29-year-old has a .246 average with 65 homers and 300 RBIs in seven big league seasons. He spent his first six seasons with Philadelphia, then was traded to the Padres.
In other MLB news:
— Sandy Alderson is returning to the Oakland Athletics as a senior adviser to baseball operations after previously working 17 seasons with the club in various capacities. Alderson led the A’s when they won three straight AL pennants from 1988-90 and a sweep of the earthquake-interrupted 1989 World Series against San Francisco.
— Relief pitcher Jenrry Mejia, allowed back into baseball after a lifetime ban caused by three positive drug tests, has agreed to a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. If added to the 40-man roster, the 29-year-old Dominican right-hander would receive a one-year contract at a rate of $625,000 while in the major leagues. Mejia will report to Boston’s minor league spring training camp. Boston closer Craig Kimbrel became a free agent and the Red Sox are reorganizing their bullpen.
NHL-HURRICANES-MARTINOOK
Carolina signs Martinook to two-year extension
UNDATED (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Jordan Martinook to a two-year contract extension worth an average of $2 million per season.
General manager Don Waddell said Tuesday that Martinook’s extension will begin next season.
The 26-year-old Martinook has 10 goals and three assists in 50 games while leading the team with 125 hits and blocking 28 shots — the most by a Carolina forward.
The Hurricanes acquired him in May from Phoenix in the deal that sent center Marcus Kruger to the Coyotes. Martinook is making $1.85 million this season and would have been a restricted free agent on July 1.
In other NHL news:
— Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson has been suspended without pay as part of the NHL’s substance abuse program. The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced Tuesday that Watson had been placed in Stage Two of the league’s substance abuse and behavioral health program “for treatment related exclusively to his ongoing issues with alcohol abuse.” That means Watson is suspended without pay until program administrators clear him to return.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL-OVERTIME RULES
NCAA looks to decrease chances of marathon OT football games
UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA football rules committee later this month will consider changing the overtime format. The goal is to make it less likely for games to go beyond two extra possessions for each team.
Among the more radical ideas set to be discussed is going to a 2-point-conversion shootout after teams have played two full OT possessions.
The current format, implemented in 1996, gives each team possession at the opponent’s 25-yard line, and repeats the process until one team has outscored the other. After two possessions by each team, the offense must try a 2-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point after a touchdown.
The rules committee will also consider eliminating point-after-touchdown kicks in overtime, forcing teams to go for 2 from the very first possession.
MURRAY-HIP SURGERY
3-time major champion Andy Murray says he had hip operation
UNDATED (AP) — Andy Murray says he had hip resurfacing surgery and had a metal joint implanted.
The three-time major champion posted a message Tuesday on Instagram saying he had the operation Monday in London.
Murray says he is “feeling a bit battered and bruised.”
The post includes two pictures — one shows Murray in a hospital bed, the other shows an X-ray.
He has dealt with hip pain for years and already had an operation in January 2018.
After losing in the first round of the Australian Open two weeks ago, Murray said he would decide quickly whether to have surgery again.
He said at a news conference before the Australian Open that it might wind up being the last tournament of his career.