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NHL: Predators want to sell to local group

The Predators have signed a letter-of-intent to sell the team to a local group of investors trying to keep the franchise from leaving town.

The group of eight partners plans to pay $193 million, owner Craig Leipold said Wednesday. One of the partners has put down a $10 million deposit to make sure the deal is done.

Leipold has been trying to sell his franchise because he said he has lost $70 million since being awarded the team in June 1997.

Avery’s raise $800,000 following arbitration

Sean Avery , a former Red Wing, re-signed with the Rangers after he was awarded a $1.9 million salary for next season following an arbitration hearing. He earned an $800,000 raise. Avery, 27, played in 84 games with the Rangers and Kings last season, with career highs with 18 goals and 30 assists, and had 174 penalty minutes.

Motor sports: Biffle draws fine as no-show

Greg Biffle was fined $5,000 and put on probation until Dec. 31 for skipping a press-box interview following his second-place finish in the Kroger 200 Busch Series race at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis last week. Biffle said he talked to reporters on pit road after the race Saturday night but avoided the press box because of the large crowd. NASCAR requires the top three finishers to attend interviews.

Basketball:Parker suffers left ankle sprain

Spurs guard Tony Parker suffered a sprained left ankle during practice with the French national team this week and is returning to the U.S. to be examined. The Spurs said Parker will begin rehabilitation after an exam Friday and will rejoin the French national team when he gets medical clearance.