SRU softball 5th in preseason pollSLIPPERY ROCK — The Slippery Rock University women's softball team is picked fifth in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll this spring.The Rock finished 15-23 last season in Stacey Rice's first year as head coach. Butler graduate Caitlin Baxter is one of 15 returning players. The junior infielder hit .292 with two homers and 14 RBI a year ago.California (Pa.) is picked to win the West, followed by Seton Hill, Gannon, Edinboro, Slippery Rock and Mercyhurst.

Manziel not charged with crime in TexasCLEVELAND — Despite disturbing allegations that he struck his ex-girlfriend, troubled Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has not been charged with a crime and two Texas police departments have closed their cases on a possible assault.Manziel, who will be released by Cleveland next month, ending two turbulent NFL seasons, was being investigated for allegedly striking Colleen Crowley last weekend. She told police in Fort Worth that Manziel struck her “several times” and that the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner acted “as if he were on some kind of drugs,” but she maintained he was not intoxicated.

NFL planning game in Mexico CitySAN FRANCISCO — The NFL is planning to play a regular-season game in Mexico City this year, with the Raiders hosting the Texans.A person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press that the NFL will return to Mexico for the first time in 11 years. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced the game officially. Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to do so in his Super Bowl news conference today.

X Games biker Mirra dead at 41GREENVILLE, N.C. — Police say veteran X Games biker Dave Mirra has died in North Carolina. He was 41.Greenville police said Mirra’s body was found earlier in the day with an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities responded to an apparent suicide and discovered his body in a truck.Mirra was an accomplished BMX rider and one of the most decorated athletes in X Games history, medaling every year from 1995 to 2008 and winning 14 gold medals.

Curry will defend 3-point shot titleNEW YORK — Stephen Curry will defend his title in the 3-point contest, Zach LaVine will try for another dunk championship and some All-Star big men will compete for the Skills Challenge crown in the All-Star Saturday events in Toronto on Feb. 13.Sacramento’s DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans’ Anthony Davis, Golden State’s Draymond Green and Minnesota rookie Karl-Anthony Towns will take part in that event.

Fowler sharing Phoenix Open leadSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rickie Fowler overcame some bad shots for a share of the lead in the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Phil Mickelson compounded his mistakes and fell back.After an hour-long frost delay at chilly TPC Scottsdale, Fowler played the first six holes in 5 under.