Boston, MA (Sports Network) - The hosts for Super Bowl L and LI were announced Tuesday at the NFL Spring Meeting in Boston.

As expected, San Francisco and Houston were named the host cities for Super Bowl 50 in February 2016 and Super Bowl 51 in February 2017, respectively.

The Super Bowl will return to the Bay Area thanks to the 49ers' future Santa Clara home, recently named Levi's Stadium. The new $1.2 billion stadium is set to open in 2014.

"Even before breaking ground in April of 2012, the vision for Levi's Stadium has always been to build a venue that showcases all that is special about the Bay Area," 49ers CEO Jed York said on the team's website. "Innovation, sustainability and fan experience are the pillars of which we designed and constructed this facility.

"We look forward to NFL fans from around the globe enjoying our region and our stadium, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world."

Candlestick Park, which opened for baseball's San Francisco Giants in 1960, has been the 49ers' home since 1971. It is scheduled for demolition in early 2014 after one final season.

The Bay Area hosted one previous Super Bowl. In 1985, Stanford Stadium was the site of the big game between San Francisco and Miami. The 49ers and Joe Montana pulled out a 38-16 victory over Dan Marino's Dolphins.

Reliant Stadium will be the site of a Super Bowl for the second time. The stadium served as the host facility for Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.

"I can't tell you how excited I am for Houston in being selected as the site for the 2017 Super Bowl," Texans owner Bob McNair said in a statement. "This is a worldwide stage that will be constructed in Houston and the world will be watching. It's an opportunity to showcase our wonderful city, the NFL and the Super Bowl all at the same time."

Miami, which is tied with New Orleans for most times as Super Bowl host at 10, placed bids on both games, but a lack of public funding for proposed renovations to Sun Life Stadium most likely prevented the big game from returning to South Florida.

"Congratulations to San Francisco and Houston on Super Bowl L and LI," Dolphins owner Steve Ross said in statement. "However, we don't think there's a better place in the country to host Super Bowl than right here in South Florida. I am grateful for the hard work and creative energy that the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee showed in their bid. Today's decision doesn't dampen our enthusiasm to pursue Super Bowls in the future, since we are steadfast in our belief that those games are good for the South Florida community."

Irving, TX (Sports Network) - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is expected to miss the team's offseason training activities as he continues to recover from back surgery performed last month.

According to the Cowboys' website, Romo had a cyst removed from his back last month. The team expects him to be ready for training camp in July.

The Cowboys are set to start OTAs on Tuesday and will also have a three-day minicamp in June.

Romo inked a six-year contract extension in late March, a deal reported to be worth $108 million with $55 million guaranteed.

The 33-year-old veteran is coming off a 2012 season that included a career- high 4,903 passing yards to go along with 28 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. However, his passer rating of 90.5 was the lowest of his career.

Romo joined Dallas in 2003 and became the starting quarterback in 2006. He has thrown for 25,737 yards with 177 touchdowns and 91 interceptions in 121 career games.

Boston, MA (Sports Network) - NFL owners have approved a $200 million loan for the construction of a new multi-purpose building in Atlanta to become the home for the Falcons.

News of a stadium agreement between the Falcons and the city of Atlanta came in March. The team has played in the Georgia Dome since 1992.

"The NFL has supported new stadium construction through various means for decades," said Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement Tuesday. "Our club owners understand that investments such as G-4 financing are important to the long-term strength of the league, and we thank them for their support.

"We are pleased with the outcome of today's vote, and we look forward to continued progress in designing and constructing the new multi-purpose stadium over the next four years. We, along with our City of Atlanta and State of Georgia partners, are excited to participate in a project that will benefit the city and state for many years to come."

The Falcons are hoping to play in a new building for the start of the 2017 season.

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The NFL and Microsoft have announced a multiyear, landmark partnership that will deliver truly unique interactive NFL television experiences for the next-generation Xbox One.

The NFL on Xbox will provide fans with an all-new viewing experience through innovations around Skype and Xbox SmartGlass; an all-new, innovative fantasy football solution allowing fans to view players and live competition side by side on a single TV screen; and a personalized NFL destination featuring information about the players, teams and games fans care about most.

"When we started working with Roger Goodell and the team at the NFL we knew that we could create great new experiences that fans would love," said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "This partnership will redefine NFL experiences through exclusive and interactive content that you will find only on Xbox. For fans, the NFL on Xbox will provide the most complete way to enjoy live football by bringing the first fully-integrated fantasy football experience to the TV, exclusively through Xbox."

The deal will also change the game for NFL teams. Coaches and players will soon have access to a variety of cutting-edge Microsoft solutions, including Surface tablets to enhance on-field communications, photo viewing and play calling.

"From the use of instant replay to the yellow first-down line that has become an important element of the at-home television viewing experience, the NFL is committed to leveraging technology to improve our game for coaches, players and fans," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We're thrilled to be teaming with a true innovator like Microsoft to shape the future of the NFL game experience, both on-field and in the living room."

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Tuesday.

Ingram himself confirmed the procedure, stating on his Twitter account, "Thanking God for a successful and safe surgery!!!"

In addition, the Times Union reported that the surgery was performed in Florida by Dr. James Andrews.

Recovery time is typically a minimum of six months, which means Ingram's 2013 season may not be in jeopardy.

Ingram tore the ACL one week ago during an offseason training activities session.

The 18th overall selection in last year's draft, Ingram compiled 41 tackles, one sack and five passes defensed while appearing in all 16 games and starting twice as a rookie. The 24-year-old was expected to hold down a regular role this season following the departure of veteran Shaun Phillips through free agency.

Ingram's injury prompted the Chargers to sign veteran pass rusher Dwight Freeney to a two-year contract on Saturday.

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers released tackle Kevin Haslam on Tuesday.

Haslam played in five games (three starts) last season after being promoted from the practice squad in late November.

The Rutgers product appeared in five games for the Jaguars in 2010.

Alameda, CA (Sports Network) - Charles Woodson is heading back to where it all started.

The veteran defensive back and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year signed with the Oakland Raiders, the team with whom he spent the first eight seasons of an accomplished 15-year career, on Tuesday. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the deal to be for one year and could be worth as much as $4.3 million if Woodson meets incentive clauses.

Woodson, selected fourth overall by Oakland in the 1998 draft, left the Raiders to sign with Green Bay as a free agent prior to the 2006 season and was named the NFL's top defender three years later after tying for the league lead with nine interceptions and returning three of those picks for touchdowns in addition to forcing four fumbles.

The 1997 Heisman Trophy recipient helped Green Bay to a Super Bowl title in 2010 and came through with seven more interceptions the following season, but saw his production and playing time decrease while missing nine games due to injury this past year.

Woodson made four of his eight career Pro Bowls during his first tenure with the Raiders and was a part of three consecutive AFC West championships from 2000-02. Oakland has not reached the playoffs since that run.

The 36-year-old started 103-of-106 games with the Raiders and totaled 17 interceptions during his eight seasons with the Silver and Black.

Vancouver, BC (Sports Network) - The British Columbia Lions and wideout Emmanuel Arcenaux agreed to terms on a contract Tuesday.

"We are very pleased to have Emmanuel returning to the club," said Lions vice president of football operations and GM Wally Buono. "He brings experience, leadership and speed to our offence and I know fans will be very excited to see him back on the field in a Lions uniform."

Arcenaux last played with the Leos in 2010, when he totaled 67 receptions for 1,114 yards and five touchdowns. Over the last three seasons, the Alcorn State product suited up for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and New York Jets.

"I am honoured to be back with the Lions," said Arceneaux from his home in Louisiana. "My last meaningful game as a pro came in the playoffs back in 2010 and it will be a great feeling to get back on the field with everyone in BC. I've missed playing in Vancouver, I've missed the fans and I'm ready to start having fun again."

Arcenaux started all 36 games of his CFL career, amassing 130 catches for 1,972 yards and 12 TDs.

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers signed left tackle Max Starks on Tuesday.

Starks, 31, will be playing in his 10th NFL season after spending his prior nine with Pittsburgh, which drafted him in the third round of the 2004 draft.

He's started every game he's played in since 2009 and has appeared in 123 games over his career, with 96 starts.

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The Cleveland Cavaliers will be hoping the third time is once again the charm when it comes to this year's NBA Draft.

For the third time in franchise history, the Cavaliers came out on top in Tuesday's Draft Lottery to secure the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in the June 27 event.

Cleveland indeed hit the jackpot the first two times it won the lottery, earning the opportunity to select four-time league MVP LeBron James in 2003 and current All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving in 2011.

The Cavaliers, coming off a 24-58 season in which Irving missed 23 games due to injuries, had the third-best odds to win the top choice at 15.6 percent. Orlando, which owned the best odds at 25 percent after finishing a league- worst 20-62, will choose second following Tuesday's draw.

"We were hoping, regardless of what pick we got, that this would be our last lottery," said Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, whose team hasn't made the playoffs since James' infamous free-agent departure in the summer of 2010. "We thought originally after everything had to be reset that it would be a three-year process. With the No. 1 pick this year, and we also have No. 19, we think this will be the last lottery for a while here."

Washington wound up as the biggest climber after becoming the last of the three teams selected during the random draw. The Wizards had the seventh- fewest ping-pong balls among the 14 eligible non-playoff teams.

Charlotte, which had the second-best odds for the top choice at 19.9 percent, did not have its name drawn and will own the fourth overall pick, with Phoenix, New Orleans, Sacramento, Detroit, Minnesota and Portland rounding out the top 10.

Philadelphia, Toronto, Dallas and Utah were slotted into spots 11-14, though Oklahoma City owns the Raptors' pick as part of last October's blockbuster trade with Houston involving James Harden.

Cleveland will have the opportunity to choose first for the fifth time. In addition to James and Irving, the Cavs took center Brad Daugherty No. 1 overall in 1986 and Austin Carr with the top selection in 1971.

Whom Cleveland will decide on this year, assuming it keeps the pick, is still up for debate. There is no slam-dunk choice to go first overall, with Kentucky center Nerlens Noel, Kansas guard Ben McLemore, Georgetown forward Otto Porter and Michigan point guard Trey Burke all possible candidates.

"He's got a tough decision," said Gilbert of Cavaliers' general manager Chris Grant. "As everybody knows, this year is a little bit different than most years where there's a clear No. 1 pick."

The 2013 NBA Draft will take place at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, on June 27.

Charlotte, NC (Sports Network) - Michael Jordan confirmed his plans to bring the past back to the future for the Charlotte Bobcats, with the team owner and Hall of Famer officially announcing that the team has applied to the NBA to change its name to the Hornets.

If approved, the switch will take effect for the 2014-15 season, as the league requires a period of approximately 18 months for such a transition to be executed.

The initial NBA franchise in Charlotte was named the Hornets and resided in the city from 1988 until moving to New Orleans in 2002. Two years later, the league awarded the expansion Bobcats to Charlotte.

The Bobcats were able to attempt to take back the Hornets moniker after New Orleans announced in December it would be changing its nickname to the Pelicans, with the move made official last month.

"This is a monumental moment for our organization," Jordan said. "After undergoing an elaborate research process, we recognize that this is what our fans want. We believe that making this change would not only re-establish one of the most recognized brands in sports, but would also unify our fan base by bringing together our loyal Bobcats fans with those who have fond memories of our city's NBA predecessor. Our fans spoke and we listened."

The Hornets were also more successful than their successor, both on the court and at the gate. The Hornets made the playoffs in seven of their 14 seasons in Charlotte and led the NBA in attendance eight times during that stretch.

On the other hand, the Bobcats have reached the playoffs in only one of nine seasons and established a new NBA low for winning percentage in a single campaign during 2011-12, when the team went 7-59 in that lockout-shortened season.

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The Los Angeles Clippers have decided to part ways with head coach Vinny Del Negro after three seasons.

The Clippers announced Tuesday that they will not offer a new contract to Del Negro. A search for a new coach will begin immediately.

The Clippers were 56-26 this past season and won the Pacific Division for the first time in franchise history, then were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Del Negro's teams improved during each of his three seasons at the helm. They were 32-50 in his first year and 40-26 during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 campaign. Los Angeles reached the second round of the playoffs last spring, beating Memphis in the first round before a sweep at the hands of San Antonio.

Overall, Del Negro posted a mark of 128-102 with the Clippers.

"We would like to thank Vinny for everything he did during his three years with the organization," Clippers vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks said. "Vinny helped this team win a Pacific Division title and we greatly appreciate all that he and his staff helped us accomplish. This was a difficult decision, but we feel this is the best decision for our franchise moving forward."

Del Negro, who played 14 NBA seasons from 1988-2002, holds a 210-184 overall mark in five years as a head coach. He also coached the Bulls for two seasons.

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - The Toronto Raptors have decided to make changes in the front office and will create a new position of general manager while Bryan Colangelo will concentrate on his duties as club president.

Colangelo had held the dual roles, but will instead work with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president and CEO Tim Leiweke on the business side of the franchise while continuing to advise on basketball-related matters.

Leiweke said a new GM is expected to be in place within the next 30 days.

"After thorough evaluation and considering all the options, we have concluded that these changes will be in the best interest of the organization," said Leiweke on Tuesday. "By splitting the roles and having both men report directly to me, we are adding depth to the basketball operations group and giving the Toronto Raptors the best chance of competing for championships in the future."

Colangelo has been with the Raptors since March 1, 2006 and was named the NBA's top executive for the 2006-07 season when the team won the Atlantic Division. Toronto hasn't made the playoffs since the 2007-08 campaign and this season finished 34-48 for its fifth straight losing record.

"The new GM will inherit a great situation in Toronto, as all of my due diligence around the league indicates that we have a fine, young core and a few key moves will make us a playoff contender next season," Leiweke added.

Colangelo had his contract as team president extended. Terms were not disclosed.

"The future of this team and this organization excites me more than ever, and I am looking forward to being part of our future success," said Colangelo. "I will add whatever is necessary to help improve our basketball team while also expanding my efforts to increase brand awareness and influence growth of the game across this great country."

Numerous reports have indicated that the Raptors are interested in Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri, who was the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year and whose contract with Denver is set to expire this summer.

San Francisco, CA (Sports Network) - As expected, the San Francisco Giants placed right-hander Ryan Vogelsong on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday.

Vogelsong fractured two bones and sustained a dislocated joint in the pinkie finger of his right hand while swinging at a pitch in the Giants' 8-0 victory over the Washington Nationals on Monday.

The 35-year-old veteran was unable to finish the at-bat, as pinch-hitter Nick Noonan replaced him and grounded out to end the fifth inning. He was scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss four to six weeks.

Vogelsong is 2-4 with a 7.19 ERA in nine starts this season.

The club also placed right-hander Santiago Casilla on the DL due to a painful cyst in his right knee, which has limited him to just two appearances since May 8.

Casilla is 3-2 with one save and a 1.89 ERA in 21 games this season.

To fill the roster spots, the Giants recalled pitcher Sandy Rosario and first baseman Brett Pill from Triple-A Fresno.

Rosario was 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 16 relief appearances for Fresno this year. The right-hander threw just three pitches in a game for San Francisco on April 30, picking up his first big league victory in the process.

Pill played in three games last week for the Giants, going 2-for-6 with an RBI. He was hitting .365 with nine homers and 47 RBI in 35 contests for Fresno this season.

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Phillies officially placed catcher Carlos Ruiz on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday due to a grade 2 right hamstring strain.

Ruiz injured himself rounding second base in the second inning of Sunday's win against the Cincinnati Reds. The 34-year old veteran had hit .235 with two doubles and two RBI in 16 games after missing the first 25 games of the year due to a suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

He is expected to miss three to four weeks.

Right-hander Tyler Cloyd, who struck out four in 6 1/3 innings in his only start with the Phillies earlier this season, took Ruiz's spot on the roster. He was scheduled to start Tuesday night against the Marlins.

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza will return to a major league mound for the first time in 10 months on Tuesday, with the team reinstating the right-hander from the 15-day disabled list to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Garza was shut down last July with a stress reaction in his right elbow, then sustained a strained left lat muscle during spring training that has sidelined him since March.

The 29-year-old has made four rehab starts between Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Tennessee to prep for Tuesday's assignment, allowing just two runs and 10 hits through a combined 15 1/3 innings over those outings.

Garza went 5-7 with a 3.91 earned run average in 18 starts prior to being shelved last season.

To make room for Garza on the active roster, the Cubs designated pitcher Michael Bowden for assignment. The 26-year-old Illinois native posted a 1-2 record with a 3.78 ERA in 14 relief appearances this season.

Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - The Baltimore Orioles reinstated pitcher Miguel Gonzalez from the 15-day disabled list.

Gonzalez, who had been on the DL since May 9 (retro May 4) with a blister on his right thumb, will start Tuesday night against the New York Yankees. The 28-year old righty was 2-2 with a 4.58 ERA in six starts before his trip to the disabled list.

Pitcher Jair Jurrjens has been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk to make room for Gonzalez.

Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - The Texas Rangers have activated catcher A.J. Pierzynski from the 15-day disabled list.

Pierzynski had been sidelined with a strained right oblique, just his second trip to the DL in his 15-year career.

The 36-year old was hitting .263 with four homers and 11 RBI in 26 games this season. He is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday when Texas plays Oakland.

To make room on the active roster, Texas optioned catcher Robinson Chirinos and pitcher Josh Lindblom to Triple-A Round Rock.

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Cubs have claimed pitcher Eduardo Sanchez off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.

Sanchez has appeared in nine games for Triple-A Memphis this season, posting a 3.72 ERA and one save.

The right-hander, who made his major league debut in 2011 with St. Louis, will be assigned to Triple-A Iowa. Sanchez is 3-2 with a 3.40 ERA in 43 career games with the Cardinals.

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox announced on Tuesday that Chris Sale will not take his usual turn during Wednesday's series finale with the Boston Red Sox due to tendinitis in his left shoulder.

Hector Santiago has been tabbed to take the hill against Boston's Clay Buchholz.

The ChiSox expect Sale to make his next scheduled start against the Cubs next week.

Sale has gone 5-2 with a 2.53 earned run average in nine starts thus far in 2013.

Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Patrick Roy is in line to become the next head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.

On Tuesday, Roy's younger brother Stephane confirmed to the Post that the Hall of Fame goaltender will eventually be tabbed to take the reins of the club which he helped lead to a pair of Stanley Cup titles after his arrival in a blockbuster trade with Montreal in December of 1995.

He will fill the vacancy left when the club fired Joe Sacco upon the end of the regular season on April 28.

After retiring following a first-round playoff exit in 2003, Roy became the coach of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League in 2005. He is also the club's general manager and co-owner. The team won the Memorial Cup title in 2006.

The Avalanche acquired Roy and forward Mike Keane in exchange for Andrei Kovalenko, Martin Rucinsky and Jocelyn Thibault, then went on to win their first Stanley Cup in the spring of '96. Colorado added a second title in 2001, when he was also named the Conn Smythe winner as playoff MVP for a third time. His first two Conn Smythe wins came with the Habs.

Roy finished his brilliant career with a record of 551-315-160 with 66 shutouts and a 2.54 goals-against average. He was a three-time Vezina Trophy winner -- all with Montreal -- and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Joe Sakic, a 2012 Hall of Fame inductee and the captain of the Avalanche championship teams, is the current Colorado executive vice president of hockey operations.

Montreal, QC (Sports Network) - Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin underwent reconstructive surgery on Tuesday to repair damage to both the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee

Emelin was lost for the year in early April with what was originally deemed a torn ligament in the knee.

The 27-year-old rearguard was injured during the first period of an April 6 2-1 win over Boston when he collided with Bruins forward Milan Lucic. Emelin appeared to line himself up to initiate contact against the burly Boston forward, but got the worst of the exchange and fell awkwardly to the ice.

In 38 games this season, the second-year blueliner posted three goals and nine assists. Emelin's recovery time is expected to be six months.

Far Hills, NJ (Sports Network) - The United States Golf Association and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club have announced a rule change prohibiting anchored strokes.

In essence, players will not be allowed to place the shaft of long putters against their bodies while making a stroke.

The two governing bodies in golf said the new rule, first proposed in November 2012, will take effect as of January 2016 in accordance with the regular four- year cycle for changes to the rule book.

Rule 14-1b was given a lengthy review by the USGA and R&A after comments and suggestions from across the golf community were collected and thoroughly considered.

"Having considered all of the input that we received, both before and after the proposed rule was announced, our best judgment is that Rule 14-1b is necessary to preserve one of the important traditions and challenges of the game -- that the player freely swing the entire club," said USGA President Glen D. Nager in a joint statement with the R&A. "The new rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf."

Long putters can still be used, but they must be swung without the aid of anchoring, which provides a hinge effect.

"We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organizations at all levels of the game," said R&A chief executive Peter Dawson. "The report published today gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised. We recognize this has been a divisive issue, but after thorough consideration we remain convinced that this is the right decision for golf."

The new rule reads as follows:

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either "directly" or by use of an "anchor point.

Note 1: The club is anchored "directly" when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2: An "anchor point" exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

The PGA Tour was not in favor of the rule and issued a statement on Tuesday.

"We would like to thank the USGA for providing the opportunity for input and suggestions relative to Rule 14-1b over the last several months," the PGA Tour statement read. "During that time, various questions were raised and issues discussed. We will now begin our process to ascertain whether the various provisions of Rule 14-1b will be implemented in our competitions and, if so, examine the process for implementation.

"In this regard, over the next month we will engage in discussions with our Player Advisory Council and Policy Board members.

"We will announce our position regarding the application of Rule 14-1b to our competitions upon conclusion of our process and we will have no further comment on the matter until that time."

Four of the last six major champions have used long putters, including 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott.

The LPGA will comply with the decision:

"The LPGA has consistently conducted our official events in accordance with the Rules of Golf as established by the USGA and the R&A. We recognize the need for an independent governing body to maintain the rules of the game. We trust in the ability and expertise of both the USGA and R&A to make the decisions that are in the best interests of the game.

"The USGA provided ample time and opportunity for us to not only educate our players, but also to solicit input, concerns and feedback surrounding Rule 14-1b. While we know that not every one of our members is in favor of the rule change, the LPGA will continue to respect and follow the Rules of Golf which includes the implementation of Rule 14-1b in January of 2016."

(Sports Network) - World No. 2 Andy Murray will not participate in the upcoming French Open due to a back injury.

The 2012 U.S. Open champion and London Olympic gold medalist confirmed the news Tuesday on his personal website.

"It's a really tough decision and I love playing in Paris, but after seeking medical advice, I am not fit to compete," Murray said in a statement. "Apologies to the organizers and thanks to everyone for the messages of support. Now my complete focus is on getting back on the court as soon as possible."

Murray was forced to retire from his most recent match, which took place against Spaniard Marcel Granollers in the second round of the Italian Open this past Wednesday, because of back problems.

The 26-year-old Scottish star had reached the finals in each of the past three Grand Slam events. Murray fell to Roger Federer at Wimbledon before downing World No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the U.S. Open for his first-ever major title. He was beaten by Djokovic in four sets in the championship match at the Australian Open back in January.

Nice, France (Sports Network) - Sixth seed Fabio Fognini and French crowd favorite Gael Monfils were among Tuesday's first-round winners at the $530,000 Nice Open, a final clay-court French Open tune-up.

The Italian Fognini came from behind to defeat qualifier and fellow countryman Marco Cecchinato, 1-6, 6-1, 6-2, while the wild card Monfils overcame Colombian Santiago Giraldo, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, at Nice Lawn Tennis Club.

Also on Day 3, veteran Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu handled American lucky loser Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-4, French qualifier Guillaume Rufin drubbed Italian Paolo Lorenzi 6-3, 6-1, and Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky subdued Brazilian fellow qualifier Rogerio Dutra Silva 6-2, 6-3.

The second round will be staged on Wednesday, as second-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon will take on his countryman Rufin; third-seeded American Sam Querrey will tangle with Stakhovsky; fourth-seeded American John Isner will meet Dutchman Robin Haase; and Fognini will battle Monfils in some of the scheduled action.

The 2013 Nice champion will earn $95,000.

Duesseldorf, Germany (Sports Network) - Seventh seed Viktor Troicki pressed on, while former world No. 3 Nikolay Davydenko suffered an opening-round upset at the inaugural $530,000 Power Horse Cup, a final French Open tune-up.

The Serbian Troicki came back to best American journeyman Michael Russell, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, while Slovenian lucky loser Aljaz Bedene surprised the eighth- seeded Russian veteran Davydenko, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, on the red clay at Rochusclub, which used to play host to the ATP World Team tournament.

Also on Day 3, Dutchman Igor Sijsling dropped Kazakhstani qualifier Evgeny Korolev, 6-2, 6-4, and Slovenian Grega Zemlja overcame Belgian David Goffin, 5-7, 6-0, 6-2.

The second round will be staged on Wednesday, including matches for top seeds Janko Tipsarevic and Tommy Haas. The Serbian Tipsarevic will take on Argentine qualifier Guido Pella, while the long-time German favorite Haas will encounter Croat Ivan Dodig.

This week's winner will collect $95,000.

Strasbourg, France (Sports Network) - Top seed and former runner-up Marion Bartoli of France was one of four upset victims Tuesday at the $235,000 Strasbourg International tennis event, a final clay-court French Open tune-up.

Italy's Camila Giorgi upended the former Wimbledon runner-up and 2011 Strasbourg finalist Bartoli in 6-3, 6-2 fashion at Strasbourg Tennis Club, where rain wiped out Monday's schedule.

Other upsets occurred when French wild card Virginie Razzano toppled second- seeded Austrian Tamira Paszek 6-1, 6-4, American Lauren Davis knocked out sixth-seeded compatriot Christina McHale 7-5, 6-3, and Spaniard Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor erased eighth-seeded Slovakian veteran Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4).

Four other seeded women avoided the upset bug, as No. 3 Alize Cornet whipped fellow Frenchwoman Mathilde Johansson, 6-3, 6-2; No. 4 Su-Wei Hsieh of Taiwan overcame German Annika Beck 6-7 (6-8), 7-5, 6-1; No. 5 Monica Niculescu of Romania fought back to best New Zealand's Marina Erakovic 6-7 (7-9), 6-3, 7-6 (7-5); and No. 7 Chanelle Scheepers of South Africa handled French wild card Claire Feuerstein 7-5, 6-4.

Several other women posted first-round wins, including Italian qualifier Flavia Pennetta, Czech Lucie Hradecka and Swede Johanna Larsson. Hradecka was a finalist here back in 2009.

The second round will be staged on Wednesday, including a match for the crowd favorite Cornet, who will be opposed by Polish qualifier Magda Linette.

Cornet lost to Italian Francesca Schiavone in last year's Strasbourg finale.

The 2013 Strasbourg champion will collect $41,000.

Brussels, Belgium (Sports Network) - Rain wiped out Tuesday's schedule at the $690,000 Brussels Open, a final clay-court French Open tune-up.

Fourth-seeded American Sloane Stephens was supposed to finish her darkness- suspended match against Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, but that affair will now move in to a third day on Wednesday. The bout was tied at 6-3, 2-6, 2-2 when play was called Monday night at Royal Primerose Tennis Club.

The 10 opening-round singles matches on Tuesday's schedule will have to be completed on Wednesday, a day in which the second round was supposed to wrap up.

This week's top seed is reigning champion and former world No. 1 star Caroline Wozniacki. The Dane beat Chinese Peng Shuai in last year's finale.

The 2013 Brussels titlist will earn $120,000.