NU coach awards Blackshirts to defense

? Nebraska’s defense has earned its Blackshirts.

Coach Bo Pelini said he handed out 12 black practice jerseys Thursday to recognize the key players on his defense. The black jerseys are a Nebraska tradition that has come to symbolize defensive excellence.

Previously, Pelini waited until October or even November to hand out the black jerseys because he believes it’s an honor players have to earn. He said this week felt like the right time this year.

Nebraska has allowed an average of 16 points this year and ranks 24th nationally in scoring defense.

NFL

Ravens, top pick Kindle agree

Owings Mills, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens and top draft pick Sergio Kindle have agreed to terms on a 1-year contract, even though the linebacker will not play this season.

Kindle fractured his skull shortly before training camp in July when he fell down two flights of stairs.

Arizona’s Wells likely to play

Tempe, Ariz. — Arizona running back Beanie Wells went through much more of practice on Thursday, increasing the probability that he will play Sunday in the Cardinals’ home opener against the Oakland Raiders.

RB Mathews misses 2nd practice

San Diego — Chargers running back Ryan Mathews missed his second straight practice Thursday with a high ankle sprain.

The rookie’s prospects of playing decrease with every missed practice, making it less likely he’ll be available for Sunday’s game at Seattle.

College basketball

Calipari thinks Kanter will play

Louisville, Ky. — Kentucky coach John Calipari believes that freshman center Enes Kanter is an amateur and that Turkish club officials have “four million reasons” why they want him to return to Europe.

The NCAA is reviewing Kanter’s status, though Calipari said Thursday he thinks the 6-foot-11 center will suit up for the Wildcats this season.

Calipari said Kanter, who turned 18 on May 20, received only the necessary expenses while playing for the team and that Kanter’s family kept “meticulous” records to protect Kanter’s status should it come into question.

The New York Times reported earlier this month that team officials claim they paid Kanter more than $100,000 in cash and benefits.

College athletics

Chattanooga put on probation

Chattanooga, Tenn. — The NCAA cited Chattanooga with major violations Thursday in its athletics program for failing to monitor phone calls and text messages by coaches to recruits.

Chattanooga will be publicly reprimanded and censured and placed on probation starting Thursday until Sept. 22, 2012. The probation penalties do not ban the Mocs from postseason play or from competing on television.

NBA

Source: Nelson to step down

Golden State coach Don Nelson is expected to part ways with the Warriors on Monday, an NBA source told the Associated Press, possibly ending the career of the league’s victory leader.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night because the surprising move by new team owner Joe Lacob likely won’t be announced until the start of the Warriors’ training camp next week.

76ers acquire former ISU star

Philadelphia — The Philadelphia 76ers have acquired rookie forward Craig Brackins from the New Orleans Hornets for Willie Green and Jason Smith. The Sixers also got forward Darius Songaila in Thursday’s trade.

Brackins, the 21st pick in the draft, averaged 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds last season for Iowa State.

Suns extend coach’s contract

Phoenix — The Phoenix Suns have extended coach Alvin Gentry’s contract through the 2012-13 season.

Women’s basketball

USA routs Greece at worlds, 99-73

Ostrava, Czech Republic — Despite winning seven NCAA titles at Connecticut, Geno Auriemma admitted he was nervous before coaching his first world championship game.

The U.S. team quickly eased those nerves with a 99-73 win over Greece on Thursday in the opening round of the women’s basketball worlds.

Angel McCoughtry and Swin Cash each scored 16 points to lead a balanced U.S. offense that featured five players in double figures.

Golf

Casey shares Championship lead

Atlanta — Paul Casey isn’t going to the Ryder Cup. He might have to settle for a $10 million consolation.

Casey ran off three straight birdies around the turn at East Lake for a 4-under 66, giving him a share of the lead Thursday with Geoff Ogilvy and Luke Donald in the Tour Championship.

Edfors early leader at Vivendi

Chambourcy, France — Sweden’s Johan Edfors shot an 11-under 61 on Golf de Joyenval’s Marly Course to take a two-stroke lead in the Vivendi Cup.

Tennis

Serena pulls out of Pan Pacific

Tokyo — Tournament organizers say top-ranked Serena Williams has pulled out of the Pan Pacific Open, two months after surgery on her right foot.

Williams, who cut her foot on broken glass at a restaurant after winning Wimbledon, returned to practice earlier this month.