Bucs lose K Barth for entire season

TAMPA (FOX 13) -

Before the season even begins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting off on the wrong foot.   

Kicker Connor Barth is out for the year after tearing his Achilles tendon during a charity basketball game, the team announced Wednesday. The Bucs have turned to former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes to replace him.

According to the Bucs, Barth suffered the injury during a charity basketball event in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware on Friday.

He underwent successful surgery and will miss the entire season.

Barth had just signed a 4-year deal worth $13 million a year ago and finished 11th in the league in points.

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Malik Smith can play this season for Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Shooting guard Malik Smith will be able to play for Minnesota this season after coming from Florida International with coach Richard Pitino.

The university announced Wednesday that the NCAA approved a transfer waiver for the 6-foot-2 Smith, who will be a senior. He averaged 14.7 points and 2.7 rebounds last season for FIU while setting a school record with 96 made 3-pointers. He shot 36.2% from behind the arc.

Smith played at South Plains College as a freshman and for Jacksonville College as a sophomore.

Last month, FIU became ineligible for 2014 postseason play because of an insufficient Academic Progress Rate score, a factor in the NCAA's decision.

Pitino left FIU to take the Minnesota job in April after one season in charge there.

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