Ex-Baylor coach claiming innocenceAUSTIN, Texas — Breaking months of public silence, former Baylor coach Art Briles said he could no longer “remain silent” and insisted he did not cover up sexual violence by his players or try to obstruct any investigations tied to the assault scandal at the nation’s largest Baptist university.Briles released a one-page letter defending himself against allegations that he ignored incidents of assault and ran a rogue football program full of miscreants.“I did not cover-up any sexual violence. I had no contact with anyone that claimed to be a victim of sexual or domestic assault. Anyone well-versed in my work as a coach knows that I strove to promote excellence, but never at the sacrifice of safety for anyone,” Briles wrote, “I did not obstruct justice on campus or off.”

Jets releasing star WR MarshallNEW YORK — Brandon Marshall is on the move again — and the New York Jets’ roster purge of big-name players with big salaries continues.The Jets are releasing the well-traveled wide receiver and clearing $7.5 million on the salary cap, a person with direct knowledge of the team’s decision told The Associated Press on Thursday night.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team had not yet announced the move, which was expected to come today.

Warriors finally drop 2 in a rowCHICAGO — Jimmy Butler scored 22 points and the Chicago Bulls beat Golden State 94-87 in the Warriors’ first game since Kevin Durant injured his left leg.Golden State was breathing a little easier after learning Durant probably will play again this season. He was hurt two nights earlier in a loss at Washington.But the NBA-leading Warriors took another hit when their league-record regular-season streak without consecutive losses ended at 146 games.

Free agent Bogut signs with CavsCLEVELAND — Andrew Bogut is officially chasing a championship with the Cavaliers.The free agent center signed with Cleveland on Thursday, joining the team he faced in the NBA Finals the past two seasons when he was with Golden State.A former No. 1 overall pick, Bogut is not expected to make his debut with Cleveland until Monday,