Brees: Saints will thrive in wake of bounty system

Drew Brees is sticking up for the Saints and said they'll continue to thrive despite coach Sean Payton's season-long suspension for his role in New Orleans' bounty system.

Panthers' Smith agrees to three-year extension

(Reuters) - Steve Smith, the Carolina Panthers' all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, agreed to a three-year contract extension, the National Football League team said on Tuesday. Benefitting from the passing of rookie quarterback Cam Newton, the 32-year-old All-Pro receiver caught 79 passes for 1,394 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The 32-year-old now has 699 career receptions for 10,278 yards and 67 total touchdowns, 59 of them receiving. (Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina; Editing by Frank Pingue)

Swarming Alabama defense sinks Shockers 70-60 (AP)

AP - Every time a Wichita State player got the ball, someone in a crimson jersey was right there in his face.

ON FOOTBALL: The art of the coaching gamble (AP)

AP - Fourth down, 18 inches to go, overtime. An archrival is the opponent with the division lead on the line.

Smith loses shutout, but lifts Coyotes to win (AP)

AP - Mike Smith made 28 saves in the Phoenix Coyotes' 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night, the preseason finale for both teams.