Browns’ Peppers focused on football
BEREA, Ohio — Jabrill Peppers only defended his reputation on the first day of the Cleveland Browns’ rookie minicamp. Covering wide receivers will happen soon enough. Under scrutiny after being placed in the NFL’s drug program for a diluted urine sample taken at the scouting combine, Peppers said he has no history of using illegal recreational drugs and that Cleveland doesn’t have to worry about him getting into trouble. Peppers, drafted in the first round last month, addressed his recent failed test Friday as Cleveland’s rookies began their three-day minicamp. Peppers did not take part in the on-field workout on the advice of his agent because he hasn’t signed a contract. The former multi-position star at Michigan said a longstanding problem with cramping caused him to drink too much water at the combine in Indianapolis, and his diluted sample was a result of him overhydrating. Under league guidelines, a diluted sample is viewed as a positive test, and therefore Peppers was automatically entered into the first stage of the league’s substance abuse program. Peppers won’t be suspended or face any fines, but he can be subject to further testing. As long as he stays clean, Peppers can exit the program. He understands the diluted sample has raised suspicions about his character, but Peppers said all he can do at this point is focus on football. “I do have a history of cramping,” he said. “I was working out for two position groups, and I was informed to hydrate. I know now that too much hydration can hurt, but you know, it’s not a big deal for me. I’m not really too worried about it. People can speculate all they want. I’m just here to learn from these guys and be the best person I can be.” Peppers also came under attack this week on Cleveland sports talk radio as Samantha Parr, an on-air personality for WKNR-850, alleged he has taken the drug ecstasy and ingested “lean,” a drink laced with codeine. Parr was fired following the remarks, a move confirmed by Emily Dillinger, director of communications for the station.
› HARTSELLE, Ala. — Suspended NFL linebacker Rolando McClain has been arrested on misdemeanor drug and firearm charges after a police stop in Hartselle. Police Lt. Justin Barley said an officer pulled over McClain about 1 p.m. Friday because his car’s window tint was too dark. While in the process of issuing that violation, the officer smelled what he believed to be marijuana and after a search found McClain in possession of the drug and possession of a firearm without a permit, Barley said. The 27-yearold Decatur, Ala., native faces charges of second-degree possession of marijuana and carrying a pistol without a permit. He was taken to the Morgan County Jail, where bond was set at $2,000. The former University of Alabama player was suspended indefinitely in December for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He was on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster last season, though he hasn’t played since 2015.
› CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina has added quarterback Brandon Harris as a graduate transfer from LSU. UNC officials announced Friday that Harris signed his scholarship paperwork and is expected to join the Tar Heels this summer after he graduates from LSU. Harris started 12 games as a sophomore in 2015, but last year he was pulled after a season-opening loss to Wisconsin — during which he struggled — was followed by a bad start against Jacksonville State. The Tar Heels wrapped up spring practice last month without settling on a successor to Mitch Trubisky, who turned pro after one season as the starter and was drafted by Chicago with the No. 2 overall pick.
› MEMPHIS — The University of Memphis extended coach
Mike Norvell’s contract through 2021 and boosted the salary pool for assistant coaches and staff by $250,000, athletic director
Tom Bowen announced Friday, calling the deals part of the school’s commitment to Norvell and his staff. Norvell tied a Football Bowl Subdivision record for wins by a first-year coach by going 8-5 last season, when the Tigers beat 18th-ranked Houston for the program’s first upset of a ranked opponent under a rookie coach since 1975. He also led the Tigers to a third straight bowl game.
TENNIS
› MADRID — Rafael Nadal set up a semifinal against Novak Djokovic after withstanding a tough challenge from
David Goffin to win 7-6 (3), 6-2 at the Madrid Open on Friday. Djokovic, the tournament’s 2016 champion, advanced when
Kei Nishikori withdrew before their quarterfinal because of a wrist injury. Nadal hasn’t beaten Djokovic since the 2014 French Open final, losing their past seven matchups. On the women’s side, 2016 tourney champ Simone Halep cruised past
Anastasija Sevastova, 6-2, 6-3, to reach her third Madrid Open final. She’ll play Kristina Mladenovic, who beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 7-6 (4).
AUTO RACING
› INDIANAPOLIS — Will Power earned his third pole position of the season Friday after setting a qualifying record for today’s IndyCar Grand Prix. He completed the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course in 1 minute, 7.7044 seconds to give Roger Penske his 250th pole win as an IndyCar team owner. Penske’s drivers again dominated qualifying, taking four of the top five spots. Helio Castroneves will join Power on the front row for the third straight week, Josef Newgarden will start third, Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing was fourth and Juan Pablo Montoya was fifth. Penske’s cars have won all five poles this season, with Power and Castroneves alternating their qualifying victories.