Belichick, Pats back Patricia
Patriots coach Bill Belichick yesterday issued a statement through the team with respect to the allegations against former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
“The New England Patriots were not aware of the matter which recently came to light. For 14 years in our organization, Matt conducted himself with great integrity and is known to be an outstanding coach, person and family man. We have always been confident in Matt’s character and recommended him highly to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions,” the statement read.
News that Patricia was indicted 22 years ago for sexual assault resurfaced this week.
Patricia, now the Lions coach, said during a press conference yesterday he was falsely accused of one count of sexually assaulting a woman in South Padre Island, Texas, during spring break in 1996.
“The truth is on my side. I lived with the mental torture of the situation where facts can be completely ignored or misrepresented with disregard to the consequence and pain that it would create for another person,” Patricia said. “I find it unfair and upsetting that someone would bring this claim up over two decades later for the sole purpose of hurting my family, my friends and this organization with the intention of trying to damage my character and credibility.
“I was innocent then, and I am innocent now. Let me be clear. My priorities remain the same, to move forward and strive to be the best coach, teacher and man that I can possibly be.”
The indictment never went to trial, and the case was dismissed in January 1997, after the woman who made the accusation was unable to testify. According to the paperwork, the woman requested a dismissal. While the victim could request the case be refiled at a later date, it has never been brought to trial. — KAREN GUREGIAN
U.S., Bruins roll
Cam Atkinson scored in overtime to give the United States a 3-2 win against Latvia, its fourth straight victory at the hockey world championship in Denmark.
Chris Kreider and Colin White also scored for the Americans.
In other action, Bruins David Pastrnak and David Krejci arrived for the tournament fresh off their Game 5 loss to Tampa Bay, and quickly contributed.
Pastrnak scored two goals, including the game-winner with 1:37 left in overtime, and added one assist while Krejci finished with a goal and three assists as the Czech Republic beat Russia, 4-3.
Elsewhere, Connor McDavid netted a hat trick to lead Canada to a 5-0 win over Norway, and Slovakia kept its hopes alive for a quarterfinal spot by topping France, 3-1.
The U.S. and Canada top Group B with 10 points, while Sweden dominates Group A with 12 points and Russia is second with 10.
Nadal: Clay master
Rafael Nadal broke John McEnroe’s record of 49 straight sets won on the same surface after beating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the third round of the Madrid Open.
Nadal extended his winning streak to 50 consecutive sets on clay, eclipsing the mark McEnroe established on carpet in 1984.
The top-ranked Nadal, who improved to 18-1 overall on the season, has won 38 of his last 39 matches on his favored clay.
On the women’s side, top-ranked Simona Halep
lost to Karolina Pliskova
6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals, while Maria Sharapova fell to Kiki Bertens 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
Yates surges
Simon Yates took the overall lead of the Giro d’Italia after the British rider finished second in stage six, just behind MitcheltonScott teammate Esteban Chaves on the summit of Mount Etna, Sicily. …
Manchester United took second place in the Premier League with a 0-0 draw at West Ham in London.