Briefs | Boxing: Oscar Diaz in coma after collapsing in ring

Boxing

Fighter in "critical" condition: Welterweight Oscar Diaz had surgery for bleeding on the brain and was in a coma after collapsing during a nationally televised bout in his hometown.

The 25-year-old fighter was taking a beating from Delvin Rodriguez on Wednesday night at San Antonio's Municipal Auditorium when he collapsed on his stool before the 11th round.

Ron Katz, a matchmaker for promoter Star Boxing, told The Associated Press that Diaz was in a coma and not breathing on his own after the surgery.

"My understanding is they had to remove on the left side a part of his cranium to get the swelling down," said Katz, citing information he said came from promoter Donna Brooks. "It's touch-and-go, very critical. But the doctor ... was optimistic."

There was no indication anything was wrong during the fight, Katz said, until Diaz stood up to begin the 11th round. Then he put his hands to his head and "yelped" before collapsing.

Referees immediately stopped the fight, declaring Rodriguez the winner by technical knockout, and doctors jumped into the ring to attend to Diaz.

NBA

Jazz, Williams near deal: Point guard Deron Williams has agreed to a contract extension with Utah, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. The Jazz has scheduled a news conference today to announce the deal.

The paper reported that Williams will earn approximately $50 million for the first three years of the deal and as much as $70 million if he exercises a fourth-year player option.

Clippers sign Azubuike to offer sheet: The Los Angeles Clippers continued their busy offseason, signing restricted free-agent swingman Kelenna Azubuike to an offer sheet. Terms were not announced. Azubuike averaged 8.5 points and 21.4 minutes in 81 games for Golden State last season.

Hockey

Reasoner joins Thrashers: Free-agent center Marty Reasoner agreed to a deal with Atlanta after playing with Edmonton for six seasons.

Soccer

Wizards, Crew tie: Guillermo Barros Schelotto scored a goal and assisted on two others for host Columbus (8-5-4) in a 3-3 draw with Kansas City. Josh Wolff scored in the 75th minute to tie it for the Wizards (5-5-6).

Tennis

Blake wins close one: James Blake fought off two set points in the second set before defeating Jun Woong-sun of South Korea 6-3, 7-5 in the second round at the Indianapolis Tennis Championships.

Schnyder mixes it up: Patty Schnyder displayed an array of power and finesse to top Alisa Kleybanova 7-6 (10-8), 6-4 in the second round of the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, Calif.

College football

Autopsy returned on UCF player: A University of Central Florida player who died after spring drills had a pre-existing medical condition worsened by physical stress, autopsy results showed.

The Orange County Medical Examiner's Office said Ereck Plancher, 19, had a sickle cell trait that caused problems with his red blood cells during physical exertion.

Citing anonymous players, the Orlando Sentinel reported a month after Plancher's death the player was visibly struggling during practice. The newspaper said the players accused UCF coach George O'Leary of berating Plancher for not trying hard enough.

College basketball

7-footer transfers to Ohio State: Center Zisis Sarikopoulos has transferred from Alabama-Birmingham to Ohio State. Sarikopoulos, a native of Greece, played in 20 games at UAB last season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.1 rebounds.

OU suspends guard: Starter Jenna Plumley has been suspended from the Oklahoma women's team indefinitely following her arrest for petty larceny.

Auto racing

Villeneuve goes Nationwide: Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula One champion, will compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Aug. 2 in Montreal. Villeneuve hasn't raced a stock car since failing to qualify for this season's Daytona 500.

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