NFL: Chiefs’ Johnson uses slurs

Chiefs running back Larry Johnson used a gay slur for the second time in as many days, the Kansas City Star reported.

Johnson refused to speak with reporters a day after the Chiefs’ 37-7 home loss and muttered the slur in telling reporters to get “out of here.” On Sunday, Johnson belittled head coach Todd Haley on Twitter in a series of posts that also included the same gay slur.

* Former top overall pick Alex Smith is the 49ers’ new starting quarterback, coach Mike Singletary announced.

* Three-time Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware and the Cowboys agreed to a six-year, $78 million contract extension through the 2015 season that guarantees him $40 million.

* Texans receiver Andre Johnson suffered a bruised lung and will be listed as day to day this week. . . . Dolphins cornerback Will Allen, a former Giant, is out for the season with a left ACL injury.

NBA: Cavs-Celts to open season

LeBron James, newly acquired Shaquille O’Neal and the Cavaliers kick off the regular season tonight against the Celtics, who eliminated the Cavs in the playoffs two years ago on their way to their first NBA championship in 12 seasons. That heated series launched a feud that boiled all last season.

* Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said a domestic violence report has been filed against troubled guard Delonte West.

* The Bulls exercised contract options on point guard Derrick Rose and forward Joakim Noah for the 2010-11 season.

COLLEGE: Michigan probe

The NCAA has joined the University of Michigan in an investigation into practices of college football’s winningest program. The school started looking into allegations brought against coach Rich Rodriguez ‘s program in August after a report in the Detroit Free Press cited anonymous players claiming the amount of time they spent during the season and in the offseason exceeded NCAA limits.

* Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen were reprimanded by the SEC for criticizing officials who worked in their team’s losses to Alabama and Florida, respectively.

MLB: McGwire joins La Russa

Tony La Russa agreed to return for a 15th year as Cardinals manager with a one-year contract, the first time he hasn’t had a multiyear deal with the team.

All of his coaches will return except for hitting coach Hal McRae, who will be replaced by former star Mark McGwire. McGwire was not at the news conference, but La Russa and GM John Mozeliak said there will be no effort to shield McGwire from questions about steroids.

* The Mariners say Ken Griffey Jr. had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee to remove a bone spur. Griffey has not announced whether he will play in 2010.

ETC: Bob Griese suspended

ESPN broadcaster Bob Griese was suspended one week for a remark he made about NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya. During ESPN’s broadcast of the Minnesota-Ohio State game Saturday, a graphic was shown listing the top five drivers in NASCAR’s points race. Fellow analyst Chris Spielman asked where was Montoya, who is Colombian. Griese replied he was “out having a taco.”

* Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes agreed to sell the bankrupt franchise to the NHL.