NHL, YouTube reach video agreement

The NHL will upload game highlights directly onto YouTube’s website as part of a broader agreement that is designed to help the league police -- and profit from -- hockey-related video that appears online.

The agreement that will be announced today also promises the NHL a share of revenue generated by online advertising that appears on web pages with hockey-related video.

The agreement mirrors a previous YouTube deal covering sports content provided by CBS. Both deals include the use of a new technology that makes it easier for copyright holders to identify and protect their material. At present, sports leagues, Hollywood studios and other businesses must comb the Internet to find their copyrighted material and then demand that it be taken down.

“The NHL agreement is our first with the major sports leagues, but we also have some other exciting conversations going on with other leagues,” said Kevin Donahue, vice president of content for YouTube. “The NHL clearly understands the value of the community factor on YouTube. This is designed to help ... connect with their fans.”

-- Greg Johnson

Assistant Gary Agnew was promoted to interim coach of Columbus, a few hours after Gerard Gallant was fired.

The Blue Jackets have started 5-9-1.

TENNIS

Federer rallies and beats Roddick at Masters Cup

Roger Federer saved three match points and defeated Andy Roddick, 4-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4, in the Masters Cup at Shanghai.

Roddick had been serving in the second-set tiebreaker before his biggest weapon misfired once.

“It’s just frustrating,” Roddick said. “I was real close. I think that makes it a little bit harder, knowing you’re one of your best shots away -- one serve away.”

“It’s not easy,” he added. “I’m sure it won’t be the last time I think of it tonight.”

Federer extended his unbeaten sequence in round-robin matches at the season-ending championship to 14. He also won his 26th consecutive match and became the first player to surpass $7 million in prize money in a season.

Federer improved to 12-1 against Roddick and has beaten him the last eight times.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Ball State scores a 20-17 victory over Toledo

Nate Davis threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns, and Brian Jackson kicked a 27-yard field goal with 6:27 left to give Ball State a 20-17 victory over Toledo at Toledo, Ohio.

Larry Bostic rushed for 143 yards in 31 carries for the Cardinals (4-7, 4-3 Mid-American Conference). The Rockets fell to 4-7, 2-5.

The Berkeley City Council is planning a lawsuit to halt extensive upgrades to California’s Memorial Stadium, which straddles the Hayward Fault.

Florida State offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden, the youngest son of Coach Bob Bowden, resigned three days after the Seminoles were shut out for the first time in 233 games.

Penn State Coach Joe Paterno, recovering from a broken leg, paid a visit to practice and might be back in the Beaver Stadium press box for this weekend’s regular-season finale.

Miami quarterback Kyle Wright needed surgery to repair his broken right thumb -- an injury he tried to practice through last week -- and Coach Larry Coker said the two-year starter isn’t expected back this season, even if Miami qualifies for a bowl game.

About 1,000 people packed the funeral of Miami defensive lineman Bryan Pata, a week after he was shot and killed.

MISCELLANY

Anti-doping lab says computers were hacked

A hacker stole data from computers at the French anti-doping lab where tests are being challenged by American cyclist Floyd Landis, police said. Police are investigating a complaint that computers at the lab were breached by a hacker. The complaint was lodged by French Anti-Doping Agency President Pierre Bordry on Nov. 7.

Algeria was suspended from international track and field competition by the sport’s world governing body because of government interference.

Diego Sanchez (18-0) will fight Joe “Diesel” Riggs (28-8) in an Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight bout Dec. 13 at Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego. Nine fights are scheduled and an estimated 3,000 members of the military are expected to attend UFC’s first event on a U.S. military base. Spike TV will televise the Sanchez-Riggs fight and at least three others on the card.

-- Lance Pugmire

A.J. Foyt has signed Darren Manning to drive the No. 14 Dallara-Honda in the IRL IndyCar Series next year. Foyt’s son, Larry Foyt, has been named team director.