Sports in brief

COLLEGES

Navy, Air Force Big East choices?

Navy and Air Force are the top choices for Big East expansion, but as football-only members, a person with knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press. Navy is an independent and has played in a bowl eight straight seasons. Air Force plays in the Mountain West Conference and has been to a bowl each of the last four years. East Carolina of Conference USA announced it has applied for membership in the Big East. The Big East is regrouping after Syracuse and Pittsburgh joined the Atlantic Coast Conference.

But the league's status is still less than stable, especially with another piece of the realignment puzzle missing. Once Texas A & M makes a clean break from the Big 12, the SEC will be at 13 teams, and likely looking for No. 14. Missouri seemed a candidate, but Big 12 officials are working to save that league. There has been speculation the SEC could have West Virginia of the Big East targeted to be the 14th school.

HOCKEY

Modano hanging up skates

Mike Modano, one of the best American hockey players in history, announced Wednesday that he is retiring after 21 seasons in the NHL, a career that includes a Stanley Cup championship along with 561 goals and 1,374 points -- both of which are records for U.S.-born players. Modano ended his career as a banged-up player who had lost a step and some zip off his shot during his one-season stint with his hometown Detroit Red Wings. A skate sliced a tendon in his right wrist and limited him to 40 games and career lows of four goals and 15 points with the Red Wings.

NFL

Jags name QB Gabbert starter

The Jacksonville Jaguars have their third starting quarterback in 15 days. They believe this one could be the guy for 15 years. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio named Blaine Gabbert the starter, switching signal callers three days after Luke McCown threw four interceptions against the Jets. The move comes a little more than a week after Del Rio released veteran starter David Garrard following a poor preseason and a three-interception practice. Gabbert will make his first start Sunday at Carolina . . . 49ers wide receiver Braylon Edwards underwent a surgical procedure on his injured right knee and will be out for a while, though coach Jim Harbaugh refused to predict a timetable for Edwards' return or provide further details. -- AP