LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Apparently in response to an Omaha newspaper report that Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall turned down a $2 million offer to become Nebraska’s basketball coach, athletic director Tom Osborne issued a statement saying that the school has not offered the job to anyone.

The Omaha World-Herald, citing two unnamed sources, reported that Marshall rejected the offer.

Nebraska spokesman Keith Mann said Osborne didn’t tell him why he wanted to issue a statement. But no media outlet has reported that any other coach has been offered the job.

Osborne said, “A job offer would not be extended without athletic department officials first having an opportunity to meet in person with that candidate.”

Marshall didn’t immediately respond to an Associated Press email seeking comment.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has suspended New Orleans head coach Sean Payton for the 2012 season, and former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is banned from the league indefinitely because of the team’s bounty program that targeted opposing players.

Commissioner Roger Goodell will review Williams’ status after the upcoming season and consider whether he can return to the league.

Also Wednesday, Goodell suspended Saints general manager Mickey Loomis for the first eight regular-season games of 2012, and assistant coach Joe Vitt has to sit out the first six games.

In addition, the Saints are being fined $500,000 and forfeit second-round draft picks this year and in 2013.

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Kansas City Royals closer Joakim Soria will take a few days to consider his options after receiving a second opinion on his elbow injury.

The club said Wednesday he had damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Soria had reconstructive elbow surgery in 2003 to replace the same ligament. He was examined Tuesday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles.

Soria, a two-time All-Star, has 160 career saves, including a career-high 43 in 2010. Even if the 27-year-old Soria chooses not to have surgery, he would likely miss three months.

Manager Ned Yost says Jonathan Broxton, Greg Holland and Aaron Crow are candidates to close games.

NEW YORK (AP) — Tim Tebow has been traded to the Jets.

The team said Wednesday it has acquired the polarizing quarterback from the Broncos. Denver general manager Brian Xanders says the Broncos will receive fourth- and sixth-round draft picks, while New York gets a seventh-rounder — all in 2012.

The trade first was reported by Fox Sports.

Denver started shopping Tebow after signing Peyton Manning.

Tebow is expected to complement starter Mark Sanchez, who received a $40.5 million contract extension, with $20.5 million guaranteed, earlier this month. The Jets also had pursued Manning.

Tebow led the Broncos to the playoffs last season — along the way beating Sanchez and the Jets, who missed the postseason. But Denver executive John Elway believed Manning gave the team a better chance at winning a championship now.