Green released as the Dolphins’ purge begins

Quarterback Trent Green was acquired by the Miami Dolphins last year to help turn the franchise’s fortunes around.

Not surprisingly, Bill Parcells’ ideas differ from the previous model.

In the Dolphins’ first major player purge since Parcells took charge of Miami’s football operations, the team parted ways with Green, wide receiver Marty Booker and seven other players Monday – ushering in the start of a likely big off-season roster shakeup by the team that finished 1-15 last season.

There is a chance that the 37-year-old Green – who was due a $500,000 roster bonus if he wasn’t cut and who would have cost the Dolphins more than $3.6 million against their 2008 salary cap – could see his Miami tenure continue.

His agent, Jim Steiner, told the Palm Beach Post that Green and Parcells plan to meet soon to discuss options.

Other notable cuts included tackle L.J. Shelton and defensive tackle Keith Traylor, both of whom were starters. Miami also waived tackle Anthony Alabi, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant, tackle Marion Dukes, defensive tackle Marquay Love and tackle Joe Toledo.

“In the case of each of the veterans, it’s especially difficult to release players who have been productive and valued members of the organization,” new Dolphins’ General Manager Jeff Ireland said. “However, we feel these decisions are in the best interest of the team.”

The Carolina Panthers released injury-prone linebacker Dan Morgan, 29.

The Panthers also released Mike Wahle, 29, who started 16 games at left guard last season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed with their players’ wishes and will keep grass at Heinz Field, a surface regularly rated by opposing players as one of the NFL’s worst. College’s Pitt Panthers, who play there too, also prefer grass.

BASEBALL

Atkins, Rockies avoid arbitration

Avoiding arbitration, third baseman Garrett Atkins and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a one-year, $4.3-million contract.

Atkins, 28, batted .301 with 25 homers and 111 RBIs last season for the National League champions.

First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, 33, agreed to a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates… . First baseman-designated hitter Mike Sweeney, 34, a Kansas City Royal for all of his 13 seasons, agreed to a minor league contract with the Oakland A’s… . Pitcher Steve Trachsel, 37, traded by Baltimore to the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 31, returned to the Orioles after agreeing to a minor league contract… . Right-hander Tony Armas, 30, stayed with the New York Mets by agreeing to a minor league contract… . Shortstop Khalil Greene, 28, and the San Diego Padres finalized an $11-million, two-year contract, avoiding arbitration… . Craig Biggio, who retired last season at 42 after playing his 20-year career in Houston, agreed to a three-year personal services contract with the Astros.

TENNIS

ATP to award points for Beijing Olympics

The ATP, hoping to ensure top players attend the Beijing Olympics, will award rankings points to players who compete at the Games.

The WTA announced in July it would award rankings points to its Olympians.

Points also were awarded at the 2000 Sydney Games and the 2004 Athens Games.

Eighth-seeded Paul-Henri Mathieu edged Marc Gicquel, 7-6 (7), 7-6 (4), to reach the second round of Open 13 in Marseille, France… . Yaroslava Shvedova upset fifth-seeded Sybille Bammer, 6-0, 3-6, 6-2, to reach the second round of the Diamond Games in Antwerp, Belgium… . Petra Cetkovska upset third-seeded Emilie Loit, 6-2, 7-6 (6), in the Cachantun Cup, the first WTA event in Chile, in Vina Del Mar… . Second-seeded Tommy Haas dropped a 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 decision to Diego Hartfield in the first round of the Delray Beach International in Florida.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Wulff completes deal at Washington State

Paul Wulff has finalized a five-year contract as Washington State coach. He will make $600,000 a year with $200,000 in base pay, $50,000 deferred and $350,000 in collateral funds for media duties.

Wulff also has incentives for team academic performance, coach-of-the-year honors and bowl appearances.

Wulff, hired Dec. 11, earned about $100,000 as coach at Eastern Washington.

Louisiana State defensive end Kirston Pittman, who led the team in sacks and tackles for a loss, was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, the school announced. Pittman sat out the 2005 and 2006 seasons because of injuries.

SOCCER

U.S. soccer exhibitions scheduled for spring

The U.S. Soccer Federation finalized exhibition games for the senior national team at Poland on March 26 and at Spain on June 4.

Javier Clemente agreed to coach Iran’s national team after having coached Spain and Serbia.

MISCELLANY

Dakar Rally moves to South America

Argentina and Chile will stage the 2009 Dakar Rally, which was canceled this year because of fears of terrorism in Africa. It will run from Jan. 3-18.