Titans Finally Trade McNair to the Ravens

Steve McNair finally split with the Tennessee Titans and is heading for Baltimore.

McNair, who led the Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl, was traded Wednesday to a team that has been seeking a star quarterback throughout its 10-year existence. He still had to pass a physical in Baltimore, but the Ravens planned to introduce the man who shared the NFL’s most valuable player award in 2003 as their new quarterback at a news conference this afternoon.

The Titans dealt the face of their franchise for what is believed to be a fourth-round pick in the 2007 draft. They had been trying to renegotiate McNair’s salary from his scheduled $9 million to reduce a $23.46 million salary cap hit.

“Obviously, the best situation would’ve been somehow to have been able to pay him what his market value was and keep him,” said Bus Cook, McNair’s agent. “Without that, it’s best for everybody that Steve moves on.”

McNair, who turned 33 in February, was the winningest quarterback in franchise history, going 81-59 in 11 seasons.

SOCCER

Rooney Cleared for World Cup

Striker Wayne Rooney was cleared to rejoin England’s World Cup team after his broken right foot was examined at a Manchester hospital, FIFA’s website reported. He was injured April 29.

Djibril Cisse will miss the World Cup after his right leg buckled during France’s 3-1 win over China in a warmup in Saint-Etienne, France. France Coach Raymond Domenech said Cisse underwent surgery, but he was not specific about the injury. Cisse was France’s leading scorer in World Cup qualifying.

The father of Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez died of a heart attack, leaving his son’s status for the World Cup uncertain. Felipe Sanchez died in Guadalajara, the team said.

OLYMPICS

L.A., Five Other Cities Asked for More Details

The U.S. Olympic Committee announced it has asked the five American cities interested in seeking the 2016 Summer Games to submit more details on venue plans and other factors before presentations later this month at a USOC meeting in La Jolla.

Each of the cities -- Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia and Houston -- has been asked to make a 15-minute presentation at the June 23 meeting, the USOC said.

The International Olympic Committee is due to pick the site in 2009.

-- Alan Abrahamson

AUTO RACING

Grubb Gets Reinstated After 2004 Suspension

NASCAR reinstated driver Kevin Grubb, who had been suspended since failing a drug test in February 2004.

The Church of Scientology will attempt to spread its “Ignite Your Potential” message through racing when Kenton Gray attempts to make the field in a late model race Saturday night at Irwindale Speedway.

His Ford Taurus will be sponsored by Bridge Publications, which publishes Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard’s bestselling book.

HOCKEY

Hextall Reportedly Joins Kings’ Front Office

Ron Hextall has been hired as the Kings’ assistant general manager, an NHL source said.

Hextall has been the director of player personnel for the Philadelphia Flyers since retiring as a player after the 1998-99 season. Hextall and Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi worked together in Philadelphia the last two years, when Lombardi was a scout for the team.

A Kings spokesman declined to comment, but Flyers General Manager Bob Clarke confirmed that Hextall has the job.

-- Chris Foster

The New York Islanders scheduled a news conference for today and will reportedly hire a coach and general manager after a lengthy search.

Former Rangers general manager Neil Smith and former Sabres coach Ted Nolan were expected to be hired by the Islanders, according to media reports.

COLLEGES

USC’s Powell Breaks 100-Meter Hurdle Mark

Virginia Powell of USC broke the collegiate 100-meter hurdle record she shared with Gail Devers by running 12.55 seconds into a brisk headwind in the event’s semifinal round on the opening day of the NCAA track and field championships in Sacramento.

UCLA senior pole vaulter Chelsea Johnson and USC’s Powell are among four finalists for the Collegiate Women Sports award for track and field.

The NCAA will no longer accept transcripts from 15 nontraditional high schools, including one in Florida with a website that promises students a chance to earn a diploma in weeks.

Other schools are still being investigated and could face similar sanctions by the NCAA.

UCLA junior Benjamin Kohlloeffel was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Assn. player of the year, becoming the first Bruin to earn the award since 1982.

Junior Kelly Rulon, who helped lead UCLA to the NCAA title, was named player of the year by the Assn. Of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches. The Bruins’ Adam Krikorian was chosen coach of the year.

MISCELLANY

Kulick Makes History as Female Pro Bowler

Kelly Kulick became the first woman to land full time on the Professional Bowlers Assn. Tour, earning one of 10 exemptions by finishing sixth in the PBA Trials last weekend in Hammond, Ind. The PBA didn’t allow women on the tour until April 2004.

Making it easier to sell the team, Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen and the group that runs the Rose Garden Arena agreed that when the time comes, the team and building will be sold together.

Junior shortstop Mike Moustakas of Chatsworth was selected City Section player of the year by a panel of sportswriters. Moustakas hit a school-record 14 home runs this season for Chatsworth, the City runner-up.