THE DAY IN SPORTS

Incoming freshman linebacker Frankie Telfort -- the “fastest linebacker we’ve recruited,” USC Coach Pete Carroll once said -- has been diagnosed with a genetic heart condition that will prevent him from playing football for the Trojans.

Telfort, a 6-foot, 200-pounder who played at Miami Gulliver Prep in Florida, was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that thickens heart muscles, making it harder for blood to be pumped into and out of the heart.

Carroll, on his website, said, “This is obviously very difficult news for Frankie, his family and all of us in the football program. But we’re very thankful doctors discovered the issue before it led to anything worse.”

USC will honor Telfort’s scholarship.

-- Baxter Holmes

UCLA forward Tyler Honeycutt plans to begin rehabilitation next week on a back injury that is looking more serious than initially thought.

The incoming 6-8 freshman was diagnosed in the spring with a stress fracture at the point where the spinal column connects to the hip.

Now, he said, doctors believe the injury is two years old and probably will not heal soon.

-- David Wharton

UC Irvine will discontinue five sports: men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s rowing and sailing. The cost-cutting moves take effect Saturday.

JURISPRUDENCE

Burress apologizes for his actions

Former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress testified before the grand jury that is investigating weapons charges against him and told reporters outside that he was sorry for his actions.

“I was truthful, I was honest, and I’m truly remorseful for what I’ve done and for what happened,” Burress said outside a Manhattan courthouse.

Burress shot himself in the thigh at a Manhattan nightclub in November. He was charged with weapon possession and faces up to 3 1/2 years in prison.

Jeremy Mayfield’s stepmother has sued the suspended NASCAR driver, claiming he made slanderous, false and defamatory statements.

In civil court papers, Lisa Mayfield argues her stepson falsely accused her of killing his father and taking money from NASCAR.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith has pleaded no contest to three charges stemming from a drunk-driving arrest.

HOCKEY

Ducks extend deal with Nokelainen

The Ducks signed center Petteri Nokelainen to a one-year contract extension through the 2010-11 season.

No financial terms of the deal were disclosed.

Also, the Ducks’ Ryan Getzlaf underwent sports hernia surgery and he is expected to be ready for training camp.

PRO FOOTBALL

Bengals, Maualuga reach four-year deal

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed their second-round draft choice, former USC linebacker Rey Maualuga, to a four-year contract.

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Walt Harris was put on injured reserve. . . . Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller has agreed to a six-year contract that runs through the 2014 season. . . . The St. Louis Rams signed three draft picks, including second-rounder James Laurinaitis.

TENNIS

Sharapova advances at Stanford event

Maria Sharapova defeated fellow Russian Nadia Petrova, 6-1, 6-2, in a second-round match at Bank of the West Classic in Stanford.

ETC.

Another horse

dies at Del Mar

A claiming horse, Maggie and Hopie, has become the sixth thoroughbred euthanized in 10 days of workouts and racing at Del Mar. The Daily Racing form reported that the 4-year-old filly suffered a fracture during a workout on Tuesday, injuring exercise rider Jorge Soto.

-- Eric Sondheimer

Elsie Windes scored five goals and the United States advanced to the championship game of women’s water polo at the FINA World Championships with an 8-7 win over Greece in Rome.