Carmelo, Howard, Bird headline finalists for HOF

Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, the gold medal-winning 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, as well as women’s stars Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Sylvia Fowles, are among the finalists for this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class.

Ex-ESPN reporter Wojnarowski wins Gowdy award

Adrian Wojnarowski, who redefined the journalism industry with his breaking news prowess at outlets such as ESPN and Yahoo! Sports, was honored Friday with the Curt Gowdy Media Award.

Sources: Royals, Ragans reach 3-year extension

Left-hander Cole Ragans and the Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $13.25 million contract extension that guarantees the ace’s salary through the 2027 season, sources told ESPN.