Sports in brief

NBAKerr leaving as GM of Phoenix

Steve Kerr won't return as general manager of the Phoenix Suns, despite building a team that made a surprising run to the NBA's Western Conference finals. Kerr told The Associated Press Tuesday that the decision was solely his and not the result of any disagreements with owner Robert Sarver. He said he is "exploring a couple of possibilities" to return to television work.

Kerr's contract expires at the end of June. He had said he expected to work out a new deal with Sarver. Kerr was a TNT color commentator for NBA telecasts for four years before Sarver hired him three years ago. He said in an interview with the AP a month ago that he sometimes longed for the simpler days behind the microphone. Kerr's departure comes at an important time for the Suns. The team is negotiating with All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire, who can opt out of his contract July 1, and is preparing for the June 24 draft. Under Kerr, the Suns made what turned out to be a crucial deal, sending Boris Diaw and Raja Bell to Charlotte for Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley. Richardson was a starter and Dudley a critical player off the Suns' strong bench.

NHLPredators sign 'Boom Boom's grandson

The Nashville Predators have tapped into one of the NHL's celebrated families, signing the grandson of Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion to an entry-level contract. Blake Geoffrion signed his deal at the elementary school he attended in Nashville, making him the fourth generation in his family set to play in the league. Geoffrion helped lead Wisconsin to the NCAA title game, and he also won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as college hockey's top player.

COLLEGE BASKETBALLSt. John's signs Dunlap as assistant

Former Arizona and Oregon associate coach Steve Dunlap was named an assistant basketball coach at St. John's, the university announced. Dunlap will be the lead assistant to first year coach Steve Lavin. Dunlap, 53, also spent two seasons in the NBA as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets. He won two NCAA Division II national titles at Metro State in Denver. COLLEGE LACROSSEPowers named head coach at Nassau CC

George Powers has been named men's lacrosse coach at Nassau Community College, the school announced. Powers replaced Rich Speckmann, who retired after 40 years. Speckmann compiled a record of 477-158-1 and won 20 NJCAA titles. More than 200 of his players were named to All-American teams. Powers, who had been an assistant to Speckmann since 1984, has also coached the football team.