Bruins’ Chara up for Norris Trophy

NEW YORK (AP) — Boston’s Zdeno Chara, Chicago’s Duncan Keith and Nashville’s Shea Weber are finalists for the Norris Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s best defenseman.

Chara won the award in 2009 and is a finalist for the sixth time. The Bruins’ captain had 17 goals and a plus-25 rating this past season.

Keith finished first among defensemen in assists with 55 and second in points with 61. He won the Norris in 2010, the only other time he was a finalist.

Weber had 33 assists and led all blue-liners with 23 goals. The captain of the Predators was a finalist in 2011 and 2012 but has never won the award before.

Legendary NBA coach Ramsay dies

MIAMI (AP) — Jack Ramsay, a Hall of Fame coach who led the Portland Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA championship before he became one of the NBA’s most respected broadcasters, died following a long battle with cancer. He was 89.

Ramsay’s death was announced by ESPN, his employer for many years.

Ramsay coached in the NBA for parts of 21 seasons before embarking on a second career as an NBA analyst. He was diagnosed with melanoma in 2004 and later battled growths and tumors that spread to his legs, lungs and brain, then later fought prostate cancer and most recently a marrow syndrome.

Ramsay, who competed in at least 20 triathlons during his life, worked out regularly into his 80s, even as he battled the various forms of cancer.

“He’s probably forgotten more about the game than I know,” Miami Heat coach and president Pat Riley once said of Ramsay.

After serving for the U.S. in World War II, Ramsay earned a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania in 1949, leading to his “Dr. Jack” moniker.

Seahawks re-sign safety Thomas to big deal

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Safety Earl Thomas and the Seahawks reached agreement on a $40 million, four-year contract extension with just over $27.7 million guaranteed, according to two people with knowledge of the agreement. They spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because there had been no announcement from the team.

Browns interested in Vince Young

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Free agent quarterback Vince Young took a physical with the Browns and was expected to be in minicamp with the team this week.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer said the team has been closely tracking 30-year-old Young. He hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2011, when he played for Philadelphia and made three starts. He spent his first five seasons in the league with Tennessee.

Nats’ Harper out until July after surgery

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper reportedly is going to be sidelined at least until July because of surgery on his left thumb.

ESPN.com says the two-time All-Star will have the operation Tuesday.

Washington spokesman John Dever declined to comment. The team was off Monday, and plays Tuesday night at Houston.

The Nationals put Harper on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, saying he had a sprained left thumb.