GOLF: Simpson leads

Webb Simpson matched his best score of the year in the opening round of the McGladrey Classic at Sea Island, Ga., making eight birdies for a 7-under 63 that gave him a share of the lead with tour rookie Zack Miller. Simpson needs to finish at least in 15th place alone to surpass the idle Luke Donald to win the money title.

* South Africa’s James Kingston shot an 8-under 64 to take a one-shot lead over five players after the opening round of the Portugal Masters.

* Brittany Lang and South Korea’s Na Yeon Choi shot 5-under 66s to share the first-round lead at the LPGA Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Michelle Wie had a 68.

NHL: Crosby can practice

Sidney Crosby was cleared for contact but the Penguins star gave no timetable for his return from a concussion that has sidelined him since January.

* Aaron Boogaard, the brother of former Rangers strongman Derek Boogaard, pleaded guilty in Minneapolis to a gross misdemeanor in his brother’s overdose death, admitting to what his attorney called “an error of judgment” in destroying evidence in the case. The plea deal lets him walk free with a stayed six-month sentence, plus probation and community service.

GRID: USC clips Cal

In San Francisco, Matt Barkley threw two TD passes and Southern California (5-1, 3-1 Pac-12) took advantage of five turnovers from California (3-3, 0-3) to win its eighth straight game in the series, 30-9.

* Ronnie Hillman scored on 22- and 57-yard runs in the fourth quarter as San Diego State (4-2, 1-1 Mountain West) downed Air Force (3-3, 0-2), 41-27.

* Ole Miss will face No. 2 Alabama tomorrow without four offensive players, including starting running back Brandon Bolden and center A.J. Hawkins. They were suspended for “breaking team rules.”

ETC.: Stewart wins pole

Tony Stewart took the pole for tomorrow night’s Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, outracing Matt Kenseth and points leader Carl Edwards.

* Boston OF Jacoby Ellsbury (.321, 32 HRs, 105 RBIs) was named AL comeback player of the year.