Digest

Swimming

Ning won't be defending title

China's Ning Zetao will not defend his 100m freestyle world title next month after failing to qualify for the global championships in Budapest, Hungary.

In his first race since last summer's Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Ning, who became a fan favorite after winning the world title in 2015, clocked 49.67 seconds in his heat at this week's trials for the upcoming National Games in Tianjin.

The 24-year-old then withdrew from the final, citing a lower-body injury.

Ice Hockey

Stars buy out goaltender Niemi

Antti Niemi's time in Dallas is over after the Stars announced on Tuesday they had bought out the remainder of the goaltender's contract, which had one year and $4.5 million left on it.

The team will incur an annual salary-cap hit of $1.5 million by spreading two-thirds of Niemi's salary ($3 million) over the next two seasons.

The 33-year-old Finn was 12-12-4 with a .892 save percentage and a 3.30 goals-against average in 37 games last season for the Stars, who missed the playoffs after finishing 34-37-11.

Oilers extend Gryba, Kassian

The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Eric Gryba to a two-year contract extension on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old had two goals and six points in 40 games last season.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Gryba has blossomed into a physical presence for the Oilers, ranking second among the team's blueliners with 145 hits while blocking 47 shots last season.

In another move, the Oilers signed forward Zack Kassian to a three-year extension. The 26-year-old appeared in 79 games last season, finishing with 24 points and 101 penalty minutes. He added three goals and 27 penalty minutes in 13 playoff games.

Basketball

Simon added to Lakers staff

Miles Simon has joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach.

Lakers coach Luke Walton announced the hiring of his fellow former University of Arizona star on Tuesday.

Simon recently worked for USA Basketball, serving as head coach for the junior select national team.

Simon also has worked as a player-development coach, the director of the Nike Basketball Academy and a college basketball analyst for ESPN.

Barnes avoids jail after guilty plea

Golden State Warriors forward Matt Barnes pleaded guilty on Tuesday to disorderly conduct but avoided jail time following a December incident at a New York nightclub.

Barnes was ordered to perform 10 days of community service in California. He was given until August 29, the next hearing date, to complete the work.

During Golden State's playoff run to the NBA title, Barnes came off the bench to appear in 12 games, totaling nine points, nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals.

Agencies