Sports in brief

COLLEGES

Big East move for Boise State?

The Big East is considering adding Boise State football to help bolster the conference's chances of retaining its BCS automatic bid, though both sides still need to be persuaded. A college football official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, says some Big East presidents are resisting adding Boise State and the school itself has reservations about joining a conference in flux. Boise State has been one of the winningest programs in college football over the last decade and its record of success, some Big East officials believe, will help the league retain its automatic bid to the BCS.

COURTS

Plea deal for Boogaard brother

Aaron Boogaard, the brother of former NHL enforcer Derek Boogaard, has pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor in his brother's overdose death, admitting he destroyed evidence. Aaron Boogaard reached a plea deal in Hennepin (Minn.) County that lets him walk free with a stayed 6-month sentence, plus probation and community service.

BASEBALL

Berkman, Ellsbury 'comebackers'

Lance Berkman of the St. Louis Cardinals and Jacoby Ellsbury of the Boston Red Sox are baseball's comeback players of the year. Ellsbury played just 18 games in 2010 because of injuries. This past season the outfielder hit .321 with 32 home runs, 105 RBIs and 39 stolen bases. Berkman hit a combined .248 with 14 home runs and 58 RBIs between the Astros and Yankees in 2010. This season, he batted .301 with 31 home runs and 94 RBIs.-- APMEDIA

Hershman to move to HBO

Ken Hershman, Showtime's executive vice president in charge of sports, will become president of HBO Sports, effective in January. HBO put a priority on attracting an executive with a strong background in boxing to succeed Ross Greenburg.