Sports in briefs

NHLDevils fined $3M for Kovalchuk deal

The NHL has harshly penalized the New Jersey Devils for signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a contract that circumvented the league's salary cap.

Commissioner Gary Bettman has fined the Devils $3 million and taken away two draft picks, including a first- rounder of the Devils' choice sometime in the next four years.

Devils president and chief executive Lou Lamoriello issued a statement late Monday, insisting the team had done nothing wrong in signing Kovalchuk, while saying he disagreed with Bettman's decision.

The penalties stem from the Devils signing the left wing to a 17-year, $102-million contract, a pact that was nullified by an arbitrator. New Jersey then signed him to a 15-year, $100-million deal that has been accepted by the league.

TRACK AND FIELDCEO fired as Olympics nears

Doug Logan was fired as CEO of the U.S. track program with less than two years left before the London Olympics. Chief operating officer Mike McNees will assume leadership duties while the board begins its search for a new CEO.

NBAIverson taking game to China?

Allen Iverson's personal manager, Gary Moore, said the guard has not been contacted by any NBA team with training camps set to open in less than two weeks and that there is "legitimate interest" between Iverson and a team in China to work out a deal. Moore did not know the team's name.

COLLEGE FOOTBALLTide's Ingram likely to play

Alabama tailback Mark Ingram practiced Monday, wearing a brace on his left knee. The Heisman Trophy winner appears on track to return against Duke on Saturday after missing the first two games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

BOXINGEx-champ Hatton in rehab

Ricky Hatton's spokesman says the boxer has been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic after British newspaper reports of cocaine use.

Max Clifford says the former four-time world champion in two weight divisions was diagnosed yesterday with depression and a drinking problem by a specialist.

- AP