Stover kicks off campaign vs. Upshaw

Ravens veteran kicker Matt Stover has begun a campaign to replace Gene Upshaw as executive director of the NFL Players Association by next March. Stover's action comes at a time when the union could be heading for critical negotiations with the league on the collective bargaining agreement. "I feel that the board must begin to prepare for a change in leadership immediately," Stover said in an e-mail to the union's executive board and player representatives. "I believe we have the proper environment with our teammates and leadership within the board to execute the process of this selection." Union president Kevin Mawae of the Titans said Stover's opinion does not reflect that of the players . . . After 15 seasons with the Patriots, free agent receiver Troy Brown, who was told by the team recently he would not be re-signed, says he's undecided on whether he wants to play a 16th season in the NFL. The franchise record-holder for receptions and punt returns told the Huntington (W.Va.) Herald-Dispatch that he's in no hurry to make a decision . . . Former Patriots wide receiver Doug Gabriel signed a one-year contract with the Bengals . . . The Vikings signed quarterback Gus Frerotte.

UCLA All-American freshman Kevin Love and teammate Darren Collison, a junior, will make themselves available for the NBA draft, the Los Angeles Times reported. The newspaper, quoting unidentified sources close to the players, reported they are expected to hire agents, which would mean they could not return to play for the Bruins next season. UCLA coach Ben Howland has a news conference scheduled today. The Times also reported the Bruins are expected to lose sophomore guard Russell Westbrook to the draft . . . Also planning to enter the draft are LSU freshman forward Anthony Randolph, Arizona sophomore Chase Budinger, and Alabama guard Ronald Steele . . . Massachusetts coach Travis Ford, who was expected to be a candidate for the Louisiana State opening, said he is not interested in the job . . . Monday's NCAA Tournament championship game didn't match the TV ratings for last year's final between Florida and Ohio State. Kansas's 75-68 overtime win over Memphis on CBS drew a rating of 12.1 and a 20 share, down 8 percent from 2007 . . . Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard needed six stitches after getting cut on the mouth in a collision at practice. Coach Stan Van Gundy says he doesn't expect Howard to miss any games . . . The Portland City Council has agreed to lease the Portland Expo to a group of investors seeking to bring an NBA Development League team to Maine's largest city. The investors hope to become an affiliate of the Celtics.

Rays lefthanded starter Scott Kazmir threw 42 pitches during his first batting practice session in more than a month. Kazmir is on the 15-day disabled list because of a left elbow strain. He was shut down after experiencing discomfort while warming up for an intrasquad game Feb. 26 . . . The Athletics placed righthanded starter Justin Duchscherer on the 15-day disabled list with an inflamed biceps . . . Former Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry, who has spent time in jail on drug-related charges, will work as a television analyst for the team's games for SportsNet New York . . . Estella Aaron, the mother of baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, died in Atlanta Monday after a short illness. She was 96.

New Hampshire goaltender Kevin Regan of South Boston was named 2007-08 MVP by the New England Hockey Writers. UNH's Dick Umile was picked coach of the year; Boston College's Nathan Gerbe best forward; and Boston University's Matt Gilroy Jr. best defenseman . . . The Sharks signed Harvard defenseman David MacDonald . . . Heidi Pelttari scored a power-play goal 3:42 into overtime as Finland defeated the United States, 1-0, in the World Women's Hockey Championship in Harbin, China.

Six-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will be sidelined indefinitely, though she did not say why. "I've just been having some issues that I need to resolve, so I'm working on that at the moment and I'm hoping to be back playing as soon as possible," Williams said at the Amelia Island (Fla.) Championships. Meanwhile, Lindsay Davenport began her quest for a fourth Amelia Island title with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Vania King . . . Steven Gerrard and Ryan Babel scored as host Liverpool beat Arsenal, 4-2, to advance to the Champions League semifinals. Chelsea defeated visiting Fenerbahce, 2-0, also to advance . . . Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman was penalized 25 Sprint Cup points by NASCAR because his No. 12 Dodge failed inspection at Texas Motor Speedway. The car was too high when inspected following its fourth-place run Sunday . . . Coach Mike Quitko earned his 400th career victory in Quinnipiac's 6-1 win over Fairfield in women's tennis . . . Clark's Sarah Carter pitched the program's first perfect game in a 9-0 victory over Worcester State.