QBs staying home during NFL draftCHICAGO — While 26 draft-eligible players have accepted invitations from the NFL to attend the proceedings later this month, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are not among them.The two most recent Heisman Trophy winners and highest-profile players in this year’s crop have opted to stay home with their families for the April 30-May 2 draft. The quarterbacks are projected to go at the outset of the draft, which has moved to Chicago from New York this year. It was last held in Chicago in 1964.Agreeing to attend are such All-Americans as running back Melvin Gordon, defensive end Vic Beasley, offensive tackle Brandon Scherff, defensive tackle Danny Shelton and safety Landon Collins.

College grid playoff pays off for schoolsThanks to the College Football Playoff, bowl games paid more than a half billion dollars to conferences and schools last season, the largest payout ever and an increase of almost $200 million from the final season of the Bowl Championship Series.According to an NCAA report released Tuesday, the 39 postseason FBS games distributed $505.9 million to the participating conferences and schools. The schools spent $100.2 million to take part in bowl games.

Duke’s Winslow opts for NBA draftDURHAM, N.C. — Justise Winslow is entering the NBA draft after one season at Duke, coach Mike Krzyzewski said Tuesday.The forward said in a statement issued by the school that “my dreams and aspirations have literally come true” while winning the national title in his only season in college.He says he believes “it is time to take the next step on my career path and play at the highest level.”Winslow averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds while helping Duke win its fifth national title.