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Soccer • A Spanish prosecutor filed a fraud complaint Wednesday against Lionel Messi, alleging the Barcelona and Argentina star owes $5.3 million in back taxes.

The complaint names Messi and his father, Jorge Horacio Messi. Both are accused of defrauding millions on income tax returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Penn St. wants out of $60M dispute

College athletics • Penn State asked the NCAA and Pennsylvania government officials to settle litigation over who will control the $60 million the school must pay for child abuse prevention efforts under a consent agreement it signed nearly a year ago.

University attorney Frank Guadagnino wrote to other attorneys Tuesday, saying the school had no desire to get involved in pending state and federal court battles. His four-page letter said Penn State intends to hold onto the first $12 million installment until the NCAA asks for it.

Goodell defends Redskins nickname

NFL • NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the Washington Redskins nickname is a "unifying force that stands for strength, courage, pride and respect."

Goodell was responding to a letter from 10 members of Congress who want the name changed because it is offensive to many Native Americans.

He cited the nickname's origins and polls that support its popularity. Goodell wrote that he understands the feelings surrounding it are complex and could change, but he also pointed out fan pride in the team's heritage.

NASCAR's Leffler dies in N.J. crash

NASCAR • NASCAR driver Jason Leffler died after an accident Wednesday night in a heat race at a dirt car event at Bridgeport Speedway.

The 37-year-old Leffler, a two-time winner on the NASCAR Nationwide Series, was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m., New Jersey State Police said.

From wire reports