BLOTTER: Tank headed to jail

In Skokie, Ill., Bears defensive lineman Tank Johnson was sentenced to four months in jail for violating probation in a 2005 gun case.

Johnson immediately was taken into custody. Johnson, who pleaded guilty to violating his probation, also must pay a $2,500 fine. He was arrested on misdemeanor weapons charges Dec. 14 after police raided his home in the Lake County town of Gurnee, about 40 miles northwest of Chicago, and found six unregistered firearms.

HOOPS: Jackson fined $50,000

The Lakers and Phil Jackson were fined $50,000 apiece by the NBA after the coach said the league was conducting a “witch hunt” against Kobe Bryant.

Bryant recently received two one-game suspensions this season for striking players in the face after taking a shot. The league retroactively assessed Bryant with a flagrant foul for an elbow to the 76ers’ Kyle Korver last week.

* Cavaliers center Scot Pollard looked into the camera during a recent game and said, “Hey kids, do drugs.”

Pollard was sitting on the bench in street clothes when he made the remark during a timeout Sunday against the Pacers.

“It was a bad joke,” Pollard said. “Obviously, I don’t believe that.”

* LSU confirmed that assistant women’s basketball coach Carla Berry reported the alleged improper conduct that led to Pokey Chatman‘s resignation.

“I commend Coach Berry for her actions, including her disclosure to Coach Chatman of her knowledge of the allegations and the action she had taken,” said Judy Southard, LSU’s senior associate athletic director.

MLB: Sosa makes Rangers’ roster

In Tucson, Ariz., Sammy Sosa‘s comeback took another step forward when he was told he would be added to the Rangers’ 40-man roster. Sosa, fifth on the career home run list, has a hit in all 10 spring training games with three home runs.

* Gary Sheffield has left the Tigers to deal with a personal matter and likely will return today. Sheffield, acquired by Detroit from the Yankees during the offseason, has not played since Monday.

* Former Mets pitcher Kris Benson will have surgery on his ailing right shoulder, and the Orioles right-hander likely will be sidelined for the entire 2007 season.

NFL: Eagles sign Curtis

Wide receiver Kevin Curtis agreed to a six-year contract with the Eagles.

Curtis’ deal could be worth up to $32 million and includes $9.5 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.

Curtis visited the Giants who were interested in him after trading Tim Carter to the Browns for Reuben Droughns.

* Dan Wilkinson, a 340-pound defensive tackle acquired by the Broncos in a trade with the Dolphins, has not reported to Denver and has not been located, according to ESPN.com. The trade would be voided if he doesn’t report for a physical examination today – unless the teams agree to extend the deadline, the Web site reported.

BOXING: Evander: No on ‘roids

Evander Holyfield is unsure how or why his name surfaced in an investigation of illicit sales of steroids and human growth hormone. “I ain’t got nothing to defend,” the four-time heavyweight champion said.

Holyfield is among a number of athletes linked to the inquiry, which is being investigated by Albany District Attorney David Soares. Holyfield is to fight New Yorker Vinny Maddalone in a nontitle bout tomorrow in Corpus Christi, Texas.

TENNIS: Nadal reaches semis

In Indian Wells, Calif., Rafael Nadal beat Juan Ignacio Chela 7-5, 7-5 to move into the semifinals of the Pacific Life Open. On the women’s side, Svetlana Kuznetsova advanced to the semifinals with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Nicole Vaidisova.