N.C. State’s McCall gives up football after head injury

RALEIGH, N.C.>> North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall announced his retirement from football on Wednesday night, less than three weeks after a vicious hit knocked him out of a game for the second time this season.

McCall was a sixth-year player who was a graduate transfer following a record-setting five years at Coastal Carolina, where he threw for more than 10,000 yards but also had concussion issues.

McCall was knocked out of the Sept. 14 game against Louisiana Tech and, in his first game back, left the field on a cart and was taken to a hospital for evaluation after a helmet-jarring hit in the first quarter against Wake Forest on Oct. 5.

Heat’s Pat Riley emotional at unveiling of court honor

MIAMI >> Pat Riley stood in front of 20,000 people on Wednesday night. And they all seemed to be cheering as the Miami Heat officially dedicated their home court in his honor.

But when it was time to end his remarks and close the halftime celebration of “Pat Riley Court,” the Basketball Hall of Famer and team president was speaking to just one person — his wife, Chris.

“It will end here one day. And that stamp here and that stamp over there, that’s what it’s all about, sweetie,” Riley said, pointing to the two spots on the court that now bear his signature and name. “We made it. We made it. I love you. Thank you.”

Defending champ Djokovic pulls out of Paris Masters

PARIS >> Defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Paris Masters, organizers said Wednesday.

The 37-year-old Djokovic played at the Six Kings Slam exhibition last week. Organizers did not give a reason for Djokovic’s withdrawal.

The former top-ranked player said in an Instagram post he is “sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me play there.”

“I have a lot of great memories winning seven titles there and hope to be back with you next year,” he added.

Djokovic has won a record seven titles at the Paris indoor tournament. His decision not to play could jeopardize his chances to qualify for the year-end ATP Finals featuring the top eight players in the race.

Mystics part ways with coach Eric Thibault and GM Mike Thibault

The Washington Mystics are parting ways with coach Eric Thibault and general manager Mike Thibault, the franchise announced Wednesday.

Eric Thibault is the fifth WNBA coach to be let go this offseason, joining Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles. He took over for his father after the 2022 season. The younger Thibault spent 10 years as an assistant coach with the Mystics, including four as associate head coach.

The Mystics finished this season 14-26, just missing the playoffs.

“Malcolm in the Middle” star Muniz lands full-time NASCAR ride in 2025

LANDIS, N.C.>> Former “Malcolm in the Middle” star Frankie Muniz is set to continue his NASCAR career with a full-time ride in the Truck Series for 2025.

Muniz will make the jump from part-time racer to a full slate in the No. 33 Ford for Reaume Brothers Racing. He made two starts for Reaume Brothers this season. Muniz is scheduled to compete in the Truck Series race Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.