Kaepernick, Reid settle
With a public hearing looming and the threat of owners and league officials facing depositions, the NFL settled collusion cases brought by Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid.
The league, about to celebrate its 100th season, faced criticism from all sides thanks to the protest movement started by Kaepernick. Many Kaepernick supporters wanted to see him back on the field, while other fans said they wouldn’t watch if the league allowed players to protest during the national anthem.
The league and Kaepernick’s lawyer sent out statements yesterday saying that “the parties have decided to resolve the pending grievances” and that a confidentiality agreement would prevent either side from commenting further.
It remains unclear if the NFL admitted wrongdoing or how much money Reid, Kaepernick or others may have received. Considering the lost salary both players claimed and legal costs, the settlement could have climbed into the tens of millions of dollars.
The protests slowed down this season, as the NFL made contributions to organizations chosen by players and promised more attention to social justice issues. But the controversy reignited every time there was a development in the case.
A hearing was scheduled for later this month . ...
The Buffalo Bills released veteran tight end Charles Clay . ...
The Denver Broncos informed linebacker Brandon Marshall they wold not be picking up his option.
MLB: Russell apologizes
Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell apologized for the “hurt” and “pain” he caused his ex-wife but didn’t detail what prompted a 40-game suspension under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
Russell met with the media for the first time since being suspended last fall, a penalty that he accepted without appeal. Russell spoke for nearly 20 minutes at Cubs camp, ahead of position players joining spring training workouts early next week.
The suspension followed allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy. Russell missed the final 11 regularseason games plus a wild-card playoff loss to Colorado. He will be eligible to return in early May, barring postponements . ...
Right-hander Luis Severino avoided an arbitration hearing with the New York Yankees, agreeing to a four-year, $40 million contract . ...
The Kansas City Royals agreed with reliever Drew Storen on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to big league spring training . ...
The Oakland Athletics added depth to their outfield mix by signing outfielder Robbie Grossman to a one-year, $2 million contract . ...
Switch-hitting, versatile infielder Yangervis Solarte has reached agreement on a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.
Golf: Thomas, Scott lead
Justin Thomas put together enough birdies in a cold rain at Riviera to reach 10-under par and share the lead with Adam Scott when the second round of the Genesis Open in Los Angeles was halted by darkness.
Thomas, who opened with a 66 earlier in the morning, went eight consecutive holes without a par — six birdies, two bogeys — when he ended his day with a two-putt par on his 12th hole of the round at No. 3.
He was 5 under on the day. Scott, who won at Riviera in 2005 when rain shortened it to 36 holes, also was 5 under on his round.
Tiger Woods was 1 under after playing 30 holes. He had a 70 in the morning, a round slowed by four three-putts, and followed a 45-foot eagle putt with two bogeys as the rain got stronger.
J.B. Holmes, who made a hole-in-one when he opened with a 63 for a oneshot lead after the first round, was at 9 under through nine holes . ...
Matt Kuchar apologized for what he said were insensitive comments about the caddie he used at the Mayakoba Classic in Mexico last fall and said he would pay the $50,000 the caddie requested.
He also said he would make a donation to the tournament to be distributed to charities in the Cancun area . ...
Playing partners Sandy Lyle and Stephen Ames matched the course record at 8-under 63 to share the first-round lead in the PGA Tour Champions’ Chubb Classic in Naples Fla..