After successful playoff run, Hurricanes agree to terms to keep Maurice, coaching staff

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes knew they wanted Paul Maurice back after he led them to the Eastern Conference finals. Keeping his staff intact was important, too.

Small, speedy Larry Beavers hopes small college stardom translates to NFL with Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sure, Larry Beavers didn’t face the best competition in college. But still, 39.5 yards per kickoff return and 29.2 on punts with eight combined touchdowns last fall?

Richard Petty Motorsports lays off 9, cuts salaries, byproduct of Chrysler’s bankruptcy filing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Richard Petty Motorsports laid off nine employees Monday and reduced salaries throughout the organization, a byproduct of Chrysler’s bankruptcy filing.

Defending truck series champ Benson loses ride when team folds after failing to find sponsor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Johnny Benson lost his ride Monday when Red Horse Racing folded his team because it couldn’t find sponsorship for the defending Truck Series champion.

White strong on mound, Tar Heels use big 6th to beat Pirates 10-1 in super regional opener

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Alex White struck out a career-high 12 batters while getting plenty of help at the plate as North Carolina beat East Carolina 10-1 to open their NCAA super regional series Saturday.

Likely 1st-round pick Ackley brushes aside draft buzz, focuses on UNC’s possible 4th CWS trip

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Dustin Ackley could become North Carolina’s highest draft pick since B.J. Surhoff went No. 1 more than two decades ago.

NASCAR files motion to move Mayfield challenge into federal court

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR has asked to move Jeremy Mayfield’s challenge of his indefinite suspension to federal court.

SD State star Strasburg among 5 finalists for Golden Spikes Award

DURHAM, N.C. — San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg is among five finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation’s top amateur baseball player.

Business as usual in NASCAR despite GM’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — General Motors has become the second of NASCAR’s four manufacturers to enter Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but industry leaders remain confident support will continue as the automakers shore up their finances.

Johnson birdies first playoff hole to beat Gallagher in Nationwide playoff

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kevin Johnson birdied the first playoff hole Sunday to defeat Jeff Gallagher and win the Nationwide Tour’s Rex Hospital Open.

Kansas takes control in 7th, earns 5-1 win against Coastal Carolina in NCAA elimination game

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — James Stanfield and David Narodowski came up with key hits in the seventh inning Sunday, helping Kansas beat Coastal Carolina 5-1 and knock the Chanticleers from the NCAA tournament.

Hall strong on mound, Elgie at the plate to help Jayhawks beat Dartmouth 16-0 in NCAA regional

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Shaeffer Hall was almost unhittable. That didn’t stop Kansas’ offense from knocking the ball all around Boshamer Stadium anyway.

Binghamton-East Carolina tournament opener postponed until Saturday due to rain

GREENVILLE, N.C. — East Carolina’s NCAA tournament opener against Binghamton Friday night was postponed by rain.

Bangs’ 2-run homer helps South Carolina rout George Mason 11-3 in NCAA tournament

GREENVILLE, N.C. — Parker Bangs’ two-run homer keyed a four-run fourth inning, leading South Carolina to an 11-3 victory over George Mason on Friday in an NCAA tournament opener.

Anderson’s 3-run homer leads Coastal Carolina past Kansas 11-3 in NCAA tournament

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — David Anderson homered and drove in three runs, and Coastal Carolina routed Kansas 11-3 on Friday in their NCAA tournament opener.

Former Duke starting QB Zack Asack kicked off team for violating undisclosed team policy

DURHAM, N.C. — Former Duke starting quarterback Zack Asack has been kicked off the team.

Judge to decide next week whether to overturn NASCAR driver’s suspension for failed drug test

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A judge has set a hearing for Wednesday to determine whether to overturn NASCAR’s suspension of driver Jeremy Mayfield for a failed drug test.