James invited to NFL combine

ORONO — University of Maine football senior standout defensive back Kendall James will participate in this year’s NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. This year’s combine runs from Wednesday through Tuesday, Feb. 25.

James, an Associated Press FCS All-America second team selection and first team all-CAA selection, will participate in his scouting combine workout with group 10, which will arrive on Saturday and participate in meetings, skills and drills on Monday and Tuesday.

McDowell rallies at Match Play

MARANA, Ariz. (AP) — Graeme McDowell pulled off the biggest surprise in an opening round of comebacks in the Match Play Championship.

McDowell was 4 down through seven holes and still three holes behind with three to play when he staged an improbable rally against Gary Woodland. McDowell seized on Woodland’s mistakes to win the next three holes, and then put him away with a 6-foot birdie putt on the 19th hole.

The match-play format was brutal for 32 players that were headed home, a list that included Zach Johnson, Dustin Johnson and Steve Stricker among the top 10 seeds. Eleven of the 32 matches went at least 18 holes, with five of them decided in overtime.

PGA champion Jason Dufner also rallied with some help. He was three down with five holes to play when Scott Stallings chopped up two holes, Dufner made a key birdie, and Dufner won on the first extra hole with a par.

Eight players trailed with six holes remaining and went on to win. That included Henrik Stenson, who avoided becoming the third straight No. 1 seed to lose in the opening round of golf’s most unpredictable tournament.

Reds sign Bailey to $105 million deal

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Starter Homer Bailey agreed to a $105 million, six-year contract that avoids arbitration and will help the Cincinnati Reds with their cash flow by deferring some of the salary for short periods.

The deal includes a $25 million mutual option for 2020 with a $5 million buyout.

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