Steelers announce preseason schedule

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers as part of the 2012 preseason schedule released Wednesday.

The Steelers open the preseason on the road against in-state rival Philadelphia. Pittsburgh will host the Colts on Sunday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. then hit the road for Buffalo before wrapping up the exhibition schedule against Carolina.

The date and times for the games against the Eagles, Bills and Panthers have yet to be determined.

The 2012 NFL regular season schedule will be released later this spring.

Pitt guard Epps leaving program

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh freshman guard Isaiah Epps is leaving the program.

Coach Jamie Dixon announced Wednesday that Epps is transferring for family-related reasons. The school has given Epps his full release and Dixon expects Epps to move closer to his hometown of Plainfield, N.J.

Epps played in 19 games last season with two starts, scoring one basket. He missed all 12 of his 3-point attempts. The 6-foot-2 Epps redshirted during Pitt’s 2010-11 season and was expected to play a backup role to Tray Woodall. Yet he struggled to find playing time and saw the floor in just two of Pitt’s final nine games.

OSU’s Sullinger opting for NBA

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two-time Ohio State All-American forward Jared Sullinger announced that he is giving up his final two seasons with the Buckeyes to make himself available for the NBA draft on June 28.

Lohse, Cardinals spoil Miami debut

MIAMI — Kyle Lohse didn’t allow a hit until the seventh inning and pitched into the eighth to help the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals spoil the Miami Marlins’ debut in their new ballpark, 4-1.

The Marlins’ stadium got a nice review from Commissioner Bud Selig.

“All you can say is, `Wow,”‘ Selig said.

Votto, Reds sign record 12-year deal

CINCINNATI — Joey Votto got a big payday by staying in a small market, agreeing to a $251.5 million, 12-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds that is the longest guaranteed contract in major league history.

Former QB Leaf remains in jail

GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf will stay in a Montana jail a while longer while Texas prosecutors work with their Montana counterparts to revoke his probation on 2010 drug charges.