BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Former Texas coach Mack Brown will serve as a studio analyst for college football games on ABC.

Brown stepped down in December after 16 years with the Longhorns, winning the national title after the 2005 season.

Brown will appear on “College Football Countdown” and offer pregame, halftime and postgame commentary for the games on ABC, including “Saturday Night Football.” He will work with host John Saunders and former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell.

ESPN also said Thursday that former Miami and North Carolina coach Butch Davis will serve as an analyst for ESPN2’s studio coverage on Saturdays.

Davis was fired by the Tar Heels in 2011 during an NCAA investigation. He led the Hurricanes back to national prominence while coaching them from 1995-2000. In between, there was a mostly unsuccessful NFL stint with the Cleveland Browns.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have traded infielder/outfielder Jimmy Paredes to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for cash considerations.

The 25-year-old Paredes was designated for assignment on July 16, when the Royals acquired right-handed pitcher Jason Frasor.

Paredes joined Kansas City on Feb. 17,claimed off waivers from the Orioles. He played in nine games for the Royals this season, with two hits in 10 at-bats along with two steals and three runs scored. The switch-hitter was batting .305 with five homers and 36 RBI at Triple-A Omaha.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Though his physical condition is no longer a big question mark for Peyton Manning, when he looks around at training camp, he must feel like he’s starting over again.

Manning lined up for his first snaps Thursday behind an offensive line that has been shuffled, in front of a running back who took only 25 percent of the snaps last year and looking down the line at some pass catchers who were either bit players or playing somewhere else last season.

The quarterback who thrived on the familiarity of playing with the same receivers, same tight end and same running backs year after year in Indianapolis, is now having to adjust to a revamped offensive roster to start his third year in Denver.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers painted a rosy forecast to shareholders of the future of the NFL’s only publicly-owned franchise.

The team remains a strong contender, while the franchise appears in strong financial health. The wait for season tickets remains long.

Players report for training camp Friday. Preseason is usually when talk resurfaces about a potential return for retired quarterback Brett Favre, and the topic came up again Thursday with reporters after team president Mark Murphy spoke to the roughly 14,700 in attendance at the shareholders meeting at Lambeau Field.

Murphy said he is hopeful that Favre can return for a game this year, though not to retire his No. 4 jersey just yet.

Murphy also said Green Bay could be playing a game in London in the next few years.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have acquired left-hander Chris Capuano from the Colorado Rockies in their latest trade with a team from the NL West.

The Yankees announced after Thursday’s 4-2 win over Texas that they’d gotten the 35-year-old Capuano for cash.

Capuano started the season with Boston and went 1-1 with a 4.55 ERA in 28 relief appearances. The Red Sox released him on July 1 and he signed with Colorado. He made four total starts in Triple-A and Double-A for the Rockies.

Capuano has pitched with Arizona, Milwaukee, the Mets, the Dodgers and Boston in parts of 10 major league seasons. He was an NL All-Star in 2006.

Earlier this month, the Yankees made trades to get pitcher Brandon McCarthy from Arizona and third baseman Chase Headley from San Diego.

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma is ready to push its Sugar Bowl upset over Alabama into the past.

The Sooners appear to be in position to contend for a national title, with significant experience returning and a strong freshman class. They start practice Aug. 5 in preparation for the Aug. 30 opener against Louisiana Tech.

Oklahoma should to be especially strong on defense, where 11 players with at least five career starts return from a unit that led the Big 12 in total defense and pass defense. Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops says the unit can be even better this year. Last year, the Sooners switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4. This year, there is a greater sense of familiarity for coaches and players that should allow the team’s improved athletic ability to shine.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Running back Ray Rice of the Ravens has received a two-game suspension from the NFL following his offseason arrest for domestic violence.

Rice will miss the season opener against AFC North champion Cincinnati on Sept. 7 and the Sept. 11 game on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rice was arrested following an altercation in which he allegedly struck then-fiancee Janay Palmer.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Griffin has withdrawn from playing for the U.S. national basketball team this summer.

The Los Angeles Clippers star was one of 19 players selected to the roster from which the World Cup team will be chosen.

Griffin said Thursday that he wants to dedicate all his energy on improving and preparing for the upcoming NBA season.