Halep, Cornet give Sharapova wild-card debate new impetus

STUTTGART, GERMANY >> A day before Maria Sharapova was to play her first tennis match since being banned for doping, the debate about the Russian’s wild-card entry for the Porsche Grand Prix continued Tuesday.

Simona Halep and Alize Cornet joined the growing legion of players criticizing tournament organizers for offering Sharapova a direct spot in their main draws.

“For the kids, for the young players, it is not OK to help with a wild card the player that was banned for doping,” said the fifthranked Halep. “I cannot support what the tournament director did, but also I cannot judge,” said Halep.

Cornet went a step further in comments published by French sports daily L’Equipe.

“Generally speaking, I find it shameful that the WTA is promoting a player who tested positive after all. It’s normal that people talk about her, she’s an immense champion, but from there to promoting her return to such an extent ... I find that unjust,” the 41stranked Frenchwoman said. BUCHAREST, ROMANIA >> Ilie Nastase said he would be considered the “bad boy” if he says anything more about Serena Williams, and then later said more in a separate interview.

Nastase, the captain of Romania’s Fed Cup team, last week speculated about the skin color of the baby the pregnant Williams is expecting.

When asked about Williams’ response, Nastase said: “Anything I say, I am the bad boy.”

Nastase also questioned the legitimacy of writing about his initial comments ahead of the Fed Cup series against Britain.

“Why write a news story like this? Just to have a scandal? There are many more important things going on,” Nastase said.

Golf: Ruling bodies move to limit video

In a swift response to increasing debates over television reviews, golf’s ruling bodies issued a new decision on the Rules of Golf that limits the use of video evidence and could spare players from being penalized even if they violated a rule.

The decision issued Tuesday — and effective immediately on all tours around the world — has two standards.

Players can avoid a penalty if the violation could not be noticed with the naked eye. Rules official also can eliminate penalties if they feel players made a “reasonable judgment” in taking a drop or replacing their golf balls on the putting green.

NFL: Saints, Peterson agree

NEW ORLEANS >> Adrian Peterson, the NFL’s most productive running back for much of the past decade, has decided to head into the twilight of his career as a potential backup in New Orleans’ pass-happy offense.

The Saints came to terms on a two-year contract with Peterson, a 10-year veteran who has posted seven 1,000yard seasons with Minnesota. CLEVELAND >> An attorney for former Ohio State star Gareon Conley says the player denies an accusation made in a police report that he sexually assaulted a woman. No charges have been filed.

A spokeswoman of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office says the April 9 encounter is still being investigated by police.