Painkillers suit vs. NFL goes forward

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge in California refused to dismiss a lawsuit by 1,500 former NFL players claiming the teams and their training staffs routinely dispensed a range of powerful drugs, often without prescriptions, to mask pain and injuries and get players on the field without regard for their long-term health. The ruling by federal judge William

Alsup for the Northern District of California allows the class-action lawsuit to proceed to the discovery phase.

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. — Buddy Ryan was remembered not just as a defensive master who won two Super Bowls and spawned a legacy carried on by players and twin sons now coaching in the NFL. He also motivated players with a gruff but caring approach that helped them succeed on the field and in life. Ryan had his players’ backs no matter how tough and demanding he seemed, a loyalty noted and reciprocated by many of his pupils who traveled far to pay their respects Friday. Gratitude was the common theme as former players from several teams Ryan coached said their formal goodbyes to the defensive mastermind, who died Tuesday at 85. Notably present were several members of the 1985 Chicago Bears, who won the Super Bowl.

NHL NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators signed defensemen

Yannick Weber and Matt Irwin to one-year contracts. Weber’s deal is worth $575,000. Irwin agreed to a two-way contract worth $575,000 at the NHL level and $150,000 at the American Hockey League level. Also, the Predators filed a motion seeking to have the civil dispute between part-owner David Freeman and chairman Thomas

Cigarran resolved by the league office rather than settled in court. Freeman and Commodore Trust sued the team and Cigarran last week, saying the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations and contractual commitments to Freeman after he helped keep the franchise in Nashville. The plaintiffs are seeking $250 million.

Milan Lucic and Kyle Okposo, two of the NHL’s top free agents, took full advantage of two of the league’s worst teams eager to pair a veteran with a young star. The 28-year-old wingers each got $42 million, seven-year contracts although neither is a proven or prolific scorer. Okposo, coming off a 22-goal year with the New York Islanders, will play for the Buffalo Sabres. Lucic, who scored 20 times last season with the Los Angeles Kings, is going to the lowly Edmonton Oilers.

SOCCER LILLE, France — Wales stormed back from a goal down to beat Belgium 3-1 in a pulsating quarterfinal at the European Championship. This time Wales did not need to rely on its star player Gareth

Bale, as it fought back from trailing in the 13th minute to secure its first ever berth in a semifinal of a major tournament. Unheralded forwards

Hal Robson-Kanu and Sam Vokes settled the game with goals in the 55th and 85th minutes.