Buffalo Bills stars Thurman Thomas , Bruce Smith, and Andre Reed are released by the team in an effort to reach the league's salary cap. 11 NFL free agent quarterback Jeff Blake signs a deal with the New Orleans Saints. 13 Golfer Phil Mickelson holds off Tiger Woods and wins the Buick Invitational by four strokes, ending Woods' tournament-victory streak at six. Nearly 23,000 fans pay final respects to K.C. linebacker Derrick Thomas, filing past an open casket in the end zone at Arrowhead Stadium. L.A. Lakers coach Phil Jackson returns to the United Center in Chicago for the first time as an opposing coach, beating the host Bulls 88-76.
Organizers announce a new eight-team professional women's soccer league.
The Women's United Soccer Association will start in April 2001. 16 Chicago Bulls forward Toni Kukoc , the last key player from the Bulls dynasty, is the centerpiece of a three-team deal that sends him to the 76ers. The deal also sends Sixers Larry Hughes and Billy Owens to Golden State. 18 Georgia Tech men's basketball coach Bobby Cremins announces that he will retire at the end of the season after missing the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year. NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is hired as an assistant coach for the L.A.Clippers.