Sports in brief

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UConn's Calhoun suspended three games

UConn coach Jim Calhoun was suspended by the NCAA for three games next season for recruiting violations committed under his watch, though the program dodged a major sanction when it was spared a postseason ban. Calhoun was cited by the NCAA Tuesday for failing to create an atmosphere of compliance within his program and was suspended for the first three Big East games during the 2011-12 season. The NCAA also hit UConn with scholarship reductions for three academic years, recruiting restrictions, permanent disassociation of a booster and three years' probation. "I am very disappointed with the NCAA's decision in this case," Calhoun said. "My lawyer and I are evaluating my options and will make a decision which way to proceed."

Old Westbury edges Farmingdale in 2 OTs

Frantz Granjean (34 points) hit a free throw with 55 seconds left and Jamal Little added another with 23 seconds remaining in double overtime to lift No. 5 Old Westbury to a 98-96 victory over No. 4 Farmingdale State in a Skyline Conference quarterfinal. Josh Smith had 17 points for Farmingdale.

Storm women beat Villanova

Coco Hart and Da'Shena Stevens each had 15 points to lead visiting St. John's (19-8, 8-6 Big East) to a 57-46 win over Villanova (10-17, 2-12). Laura Sweeney had 10 points for the Wildcats.

NFL

Saints release Shockey

The New Orleans Saints have released tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Saints acquired Shockey in a trade with the Giants before the 2008 season. In his three seasons in New Orleans, he caught 139 passes for 1,460 yards with six touchdowns in 38 regular-season games, 34 of them starts. The nine-year veteran had 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last season. He also made his 500th career catch last season. Shockey posted a note on his Twitter page: "Always will remember my time in New Orleans. What a city, you all welcomed me like one of your own, and we had a great run. Onto the next chapter, the Deep Unknown." . . . The Denver Broncos have signed Champ Bailey to a four-year deal, keeping the perennial Pro Bowl cornerback off the free-agent market.

MEDIA

NBC acquires Belmont Stakes

NBC reacquired the rights to the Belmont Stakes and renewed its rights to the Preakness. The network already had renewed with the Kentucky Derby, so for the first time since 2005 all three Triple Crown races will be on the same network. NBC's rights to the races run through 2015. The Belmont had recently been on ABC.