Gainesville, Fla. ? Urban Meyer resigned Saturday as Florida’s football coach after five seasons and two national titles because of health concerns that came to light when he suffered chest pains following the SEC championship game earlier this month.

The 45-year-old Meyer will coach his final game at the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati on New Year’s Day.

He leaves No. 5 Florida with a 56-10 record that includes a 32-8 mark in league play and a school-record 22-game winning streak that was snapped by Alabama in the Southeastern Conference title game Dec. 5.

“I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program,” Meyer said in a statement. “I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.”

Meyer said he consulted with his family, doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it was in his best interest to focus on his health and family. Meyer will hold a news conference this afternoon in New Orleans.

“Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision,” Foley said. “But the bottom line is that coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship.”

A tireless recruiter and creative motivator, Meyer came to Florida from Utah in fall 2004 amid speculation he would end up at Notre Dame.

Meyer brought most of his staff with him — some of whom worked with him at Bowling Green (2001-02) and Utah (2003-04). Together, they restored the program to national prominence two years later with the school’s second national championship.

The Gators upset Ohio State, 41-14, in Glendale, Ariz.; they won another one last January by beating Oklahoma, 24-14, in Miami.

NBA

Artest hurt in fall at home

Los Angeles — Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest suffered a concussion and injured his left elbow after falling at his home.

Artest didn’t travel with the Lakers to Saturday’s game at Sacramento after tripping over a box and falling down a flight of stairs at his home on Christmas night, the team said in a news release.

He was treated at UCLA Medical Center, undergoing a CT scan and receiving stitches in the back of his head and his elbow. A neurologist examined him on Saturday and confirmed he had a concussion, the team said. Artest is day to day.

Artest scored 13 points and fouled out while guarding LeBron James in the Lakers’ 102-87 loss to Cleveland earlier Friday. Artest is averaging 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in his first season with Los Angeles after signing as a free agent.

NFL

K.C. shelves Morgan, Rogers

Kansas City, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have placed safety DaJuan Morgan and linebacker Justin Rogers on injured reserve, replacing them with defensive tackle Derek Lokey and safety Ricky Price off the practice squad. Morgan, who has seen increased playing time because of injuries, hurt his chest during last week’s game against Cleveland. Morgan has been on and off the injury list this season and had limited playing time.

Bears’ Hester questionable

Lake Forest, Ill. — Chicago Bears receiver Devin Hester is questionable to return Monday against the Minnesota Vikings after missing two games because of a strained left calf.Hester practiced on a limited basis this week for the first time since he was injured against St. Louis on Dec. 6.

Seattle signs receiver

Renton, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks have signed wide receiver Mike Hass from the practice squad and waived defensive end Derek Walker. Seattle made the moves ahead of today’s game at Green Bay.

Hass is insurance with Seattle short-handed at receiver. Nate Burleson is doubtful for today’s game because of a high ankle sprain, and Ben Obomanu is questionable due to a hamstring strain.

Browns avert blackout

Cleveland — The Cleveland Browns’ game today against the Oakland Raiders will be televised locally. The Browns announced Saturday that the team had averted a local blackout within a 75-mile radius. The team said it had distributed a portion of remaining tickets to a range of local civic organizations. Some tickets are still available for purchase by the general public.

The Browns haven’t had a blackout since the final game of 1995, the team’s last before former owner Art Modell moved his franchise to Baltimore.

Panthers RB won’t play

Charlotte, N.C. — Panthers reserve running back Tyrell Sutton won’t play against the New York Giants today because of a calf injury. Sutton didn’t travel on Saturday, a day after the team listed him as doubtful for the game.

Starting running back DeAngelo Williams was also doubtful due to a sprained left ankle, although he made the trip to New York. His backup, Jonathan Stewart, replaced Williams in the first quarter last Sunday against Minnesota and rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown.

BASEBALL

Guardado joins Nationals

Washington — Veteran left-handed reliever Eddie Guardado and the Washington Nationals have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo made the announcement Saturday. Terms were not disclosed. The 39-year-old Guardado is fourth among active pitchers with 908 appearances in a 17-year career with the Rangers, Twins, Mariners and Reds.