National briefs: Super Bowl ratings set record

Associated Press

NEW YORK — The Super Bowl was watched by more than 106 million people, surpassing the 1983 finale of "M-A-S-H" to become the most-watched program in television history.

The Nielsen Co. estimated that 106.5 million people watched the New Orleans Saints upset the Indianapolis Colts. That beats the "M-A-S-H" finale, which had 105.97 million viewers in an era when there were fewer television sets.

Compelling story lines involving the city of New Orleans and its recovery from Hurricane Katrina and the quest for a second Super Bowl ring for Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning propelled the viewership.

The game also obliterated the previous record viewership for a Super Bowl — last year's game between Arizona and Pittsburgh in which 98.7 million people watched.

- LAS VEGAS — Gambling regulators say Nevada casinos won almost $6.9 million on this year's Super Bowl as bettors wagered $82.7 million on the NFL title game.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board said the win was $179,000 more than sports books won last year, on $1.21 million more in bets.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

- COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett is again seeking early release from prison.

Clarett, who scored the winning touchdown for the Buckeyes in the 2002 national title game, pleaded guilty in September 2006 to having a hidden gun in his SUV and holding up two people outside a Columbus bar in a separate case. He was sentenced to 71/2 years in prison with possible release in 31/2 years.

NHL

CHARLOTTE — After more than a year of trying, the Carolina Hurricanes are getting their wish: their top minor-league affiliate is coming to North Carolina.

Michael Kahn, owner of Charlotte's ECHL team, announced Wednesday that he's purchased the Albany River Rats and will move the money-losing American Hockey League club from upstate New York for next season.

- NEW YORK — Six NHL teams will open the 2010-11 season in Europe, the fourth straight year the league will begin play overseas.

The NHL said that the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, Phoenix Coyotes and San Jose Sharks will combine to play a total of six games in Europe at the start of next season.

The Hurricanes and Wild will meet in a pair of games in Helsinki on Oct. 7-8; Columbus plays San Jose in Stockholm on Oct. 8-9; and the Bruins and Coyotes face off in Prague on Oct. 9-10.

ANDREWS UPDATE

LOS ANGELES — The man who stalked ESPN reporter Erin Andrews and shot nude videos of her through a hotel room peephole videotaped 16 other women and ran background checks on 30 people, including female sports reporters and TV personalities.

NBA

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman will replace the Trail Blazers' Brandon Roy in this weekend's All-Star game.