BASKETBALL

IT’S OFFICIAL: BROWN OUT IN DETROIT

Larry Brown and the Detroit Pistons reached a settlement yesterday on the final three years of his contract, Pistons spokesman Matt Dobek said. He now is free to coach another team next season, said Dobek, who declined to provide further details. Two years ago, Detroit signed Brown to a five-year contract worth about $25 million, plus incentive bonuses. He guided the Pistons to the NBA championship in 2004 and came one win from repeating this year.

MARSHALL HEADED TO CLEVELAND

Free agent forward Donyell Marshall agreed to terms yesterday on a four-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Marshall, an 11-year veteran, averaged 11.5 points a game for the Toronto Raptors last season.

FOOTBALL

WILLIAMS CLEARED TO REPORT TO DOLPHINS

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has been cleared by the NFL to report Sunday for the start of training camp, a year and a day after he abruptly retired. Williams decided to apply for reinstatement after sitting out last season. He still faces a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse program. Williams acknowledged shortly after retiring that he failed drug tests and faced a suspension for testing positive three times for marijuana. A court later found him in breach of contract by retiring, and ordered him to repay the team $8.6 million.

BASEBALL

RED SOX CUT TIES WITH EMBREE The slumping Boston Red Sox began overhauling their roster last night, acquiring outfielder Adam Hyzdu from the San Diego Padres and designating left-handed reliever Alan Embree for assignment.

Embree had filled a key role out of the bullpen for the 2004 champions, but has struggled this year, going 1-4 with a 7.65 ERA in 43 games. Also yesterday, the Red Sox sent Single-A left-hander Juan Cedeno and Triple-A outfielder Chip Ambres to Kansas City in exchange for Royals utility infielder Tony Graffanino.

– Associated Press