Newsmakers

Out Swimmer Michael Phelps’ second comeback meet will not include a chance to go against his biggest rival. Ryan Lochte announced Tuesday he was withdrawing from the Arena Grand Prix at Charlotte, North Carolina, because of continued problems with his surgically repaired left knee. The meet begins on Thursday.

• Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara is expected to miss two weeks because of a fractured bone in his left hand.

Leaving Georgia Tech forward Robert Carter Jr. will not return for his junior season and plans to transfer. Carter, a starter since his freshman year, averaged 10.5 points and 7.4 rebounds in 54 games with the Yellow Jackets.

Removed The Jacksonville Jaguars have taken another step toward parting ways with suspended receiver Justin Blackmon. The Jaguars removed Blackmon’s name plate from atop his locker. The 2012 first-round draft pick is suspended indefinitely for repeated violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy.

Arrested Police say Charlotte Panthers Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy has been arrested for assault on a female and communicating threats. Hardy turned himself in and was transferred to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina.

Signed The agent for cornerback Joe Haden said the Cleveland Browns have signed the Pro Bowl cornerback to a five-year, $68 million contract. The agent said Haden’s deal includes $45 million in guaranteed money. Dismissed Rutgers announced that it has dismissed quarterback Philip Nelson from its football program after he was charged in connection with an assault that left another man critically injured in Mankato, Minnesota. Nelson, 20, is a former quarterback for Minnesota. He announced after last season he would transfer to Rutgers.

Fired Premier League soccer club Tottenham has fired manager Tim Sherwood less than five months into his first coaching job.