[naviga:h2]Football seniors may sign intent letter early[/naviga:h2]

High school seniors can now sign football letters of intent in December in addition to the traditional signing period that starts the first Wednesday of February.

The Collegiate Commissioners Association announced its approval of the new signing period, the last step in the process of implementing a package of reforms passed by the NCAA in April. The CCA administers the national letter of intent and therefore had final say in whether to adopt the early signing period. Approval was expected as some of the conference commissioners were also involved in crafting and pushing for the recruiting reforms.

College football’s first early signing period is scheduled for Dec. 20-22, 2017.

[naviga:h2]Braves release veteran Howard[/naviga:h2]

ATLANTA — The Braves have released former National League MVP Ryan Howard from his minor league contract after he struggled at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Atlanta signed Howard, a longtime star with the Philadelphia Phillies, shortly after the season began. He went to extended spring training in Florida before joining the G-Braves a couple of weeks ago.

He lasted only 11 games. Howard was released after hitting .184 with one homer and five RBIs.

[naviga:h2]Harvey rejoining N.Y. Mets’ rotation[/naviga:h2]

NEW YORK — Matt Harvey is to rejoin the New York Mets’ rotation Friday at Milwaukee after serving a three-day suspension for not showing up at Citi Field for a game last weekend.

Mets manager Terry Collins made the announcement a day after the team made public the discipline for the 28-year-old pitcher.

[naviga:h2]Timeline tight for Raiders’ stadium[/naviga:h2]

LAS VEGAS— A preliminary timeline for the proposed stadium that would be home to the Raiders in Las Vegas shows construction would be finished only three months before the 2020 regular season begins.

Construction on the proposed 65,000-seat stadium would begin in January and last 30 months.