Dolphins 24, Panthers 17

  Kansas coach Mark Mangino defended himself and the Jayhawks football program on Thursday, speaking on Sports Radio 610 in Kansas City.

  Pau Gasol had 24 points and 13 rebounds in his season debut, and Kobe Bryant scored 21 points while passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Lakers' career scoring chart in Los Angeles' 108-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night.

  Scoop Jardine scored a career-high 22 points, Wes Johnson had 17 points and 11 rebounds and Syracuse raced past California 95-73 in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic.

  Allen Iverson has cleared waivers and is free to sign with any NBA team.

  Three-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson has signed a contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports through 2015.

  Chris Simms was taking snaps with the Denver Broncos' starters again Thursday, making it increasingly likely that he will start against San Diego on Sunday.

  The Vikings sign Brad Childress to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2013 season, a source told ESPN.com Thursday.

  Bucks center Andrew Bogut will be out of action for two to four weeks after suffering a leg muscle strain and contusion during Wednesday's 99-85 win against New Jersey.

  Giants ace Tim Lincecum has won the NL Cy Young Award, becoming the first repeat winner in the major leagues since Randy Johnson was voted the prize four straight times from 1999-2002.

  Redskins running back Clinton Portis will miss his second straight game as he recovers from a concussion.

  The Detroit Lions' home game against the Cleveland Browns will be blacked out on local TV.