NEW YORK — San Francisco pitcher George Kontos was suspended for three games by Major League Baseball, which said he intentionally threw a pitch at Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen on Wednesday, and Giants manager Bruce Bochy has been banned for one.

SAN ANTONIO — The NBA's Competition Committee is recommending an expansion of instant replay to include late-game reviews of block/charge plays, the first time the league is considering reviewing judgment calls by a referee.

NEW YORK — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the Washington Redskins nickname is a “unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect.”Goodell was responding to a letter from 10 members of Congress who want the name changed because it is offensive to many Native Americans.He cited the nickname's origins and polls that support its popularity.

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball will open the 2014 regular season in Australia, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks playing a two-game series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.The matchups March 22-23 mark baseball's first games in Australia that count.

MIAMI — A judge refused for a second time to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Major League Baseball against a South Florida clinic and its operators over allegations they provided banned substances to players.