Russian court extends Griner's detention
U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner — who has been held in Russia since February on accusations of drug smuggling — will remain in Russian custody through at least July 2, after a Russian court extended her detention, Russian state news agency TASS reported Tuesday.
Griner, 31, has been officially classified as “wrongfully detained,” a US State Department official told CNN in May.
Supporters, including Griner's family and the WNBA, have vigorously advocated for her release, with some expressing concerns Russia would use Griner as a political pawn amid tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February, when Russian authorities claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and star of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury plays in Russia during that league's offseason.
Griner's detention has been extended repeatedly. A Russian court announced in March it had extended her pretrial detention until mid-May. Last month, Griner's detention was extended once again until June 18, TASS reported at the time.
“Our position for some time on this has been very clear: Brittney Griner should not be detained. She should not be detained for a single day longer,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Tuesday.
The State Department learned of the news through Russian state media reports, Price said. The U.S. last had consular access to Griner last month, he told reporters.
Soccer
APPLE, MLS STRIKE A DEAL >> Apple's foray into live sports took a big step forward Tuesday.
Apple and Major League Soccer have announced a 10-year partnership on a streaming service that will allow fans to watch every game without local blackouts or restrictions. The service will be available exclusively through the Apple TV app beginning next year.
The deal is Apple's second venture into streaming professional sports. In April, it began airing “Friday Night Baseball,” an exclusive weekly doubleheader of Major League Baseball games.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Apple is not paying a rights fee but rather a minimum guarantee against revenues that will be generated with both selling subscriptions.
People with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press that the minimum guarantee is worth $250 million per year.
CALIFORNIA CLÁSICO A HOT TICKET >> The San Jose Earthquakes announced last week they've sold more than 30,000 tickets to their June 25 California Clásico match against the L.A. Galaxy at Stanford Stadium.
Even with a large crowd expected for the rivalry match, tickets for the game remain available as Stanford Stadium has a maximum capacity of 50,424.
Next Saturday's match between the Earthquakes and Galaxy marks the 10-year anniversary of the first California Clásico played at Stanford Stadium.
COSTA RICA SECURES LAST WORLD CUP BID >> Costa Rica completed a 32-nation World Cup lineup in Qatar by beating New Zealand 1-0 in an intercontinental playoff on Tuesday.
Leaning heavily on its core of veterans, Costa Rica defended a thirdminute goal from Joel Campbell and relied on saves from goalkeeper and captain Keylor Navas.
Tennis
RUSSIAN ATHLETES TO COMPETE AT U.S. OPEN >> The U.S. Open will allow tennis players from Russia and Belarus to compete this year despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, which prompted Wimbledon to ban those athletes.
U.S. Tennis Association CEO and Executive Director Lew Sherr, whose group runs the U.S. Open, said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday that the USTA Board decided to let Russians and Belarusians enter the tournament because of “concern about holding the individual athletes accountable for the actions and decisions of their governments.”
Sherr said athletes from Russia and Belarus will play at Flushing Meadows under a neutral flag.
The U.S. Open starts on Aug. 29 in New York.
WILLIAMS GETS WIMBLEDON WILDCARD >> Serena Williams is going to play at Wimbledon, after all. The All England Club announced on Tuesday that Williams was awarded a wildcard entry for singles, marking her return to Grand Slam action after a year away.
The owner of a professional era-record 23 Grand Slam singles trophies, and as big a star as tennis ever has seen, is going to tune up by playing doubles at a smaller grass-court event first, teaming with Ons Jabeur at Eastbourne, England, next week.
Main-draw play at Wimbledon begins on June 27.
NFL
WATSON DENIES MISCONDUCT AGAIN
>> Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson reiterated he never committed sexual misconduct and said he plans to keep fighting to clear his name.
Watson, who is facing civil lawsuits from 24 massage therapists in Texas accusing him of sexual assault and harassment during private sessions, on Tuesday stood by previous comments proclaiming his innocence.
“I never assaulted anyone,” Watson said following practice as the Browns held their mandatory minicamp. “I never harassed anyone or I never disrespected anyone. I never forced anyone to do anything.”
Watson spoke for the first time since March 25, a week after the Browns signed him to a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract despite his legal situation. Since then, his entanglements have grown with two more women filing lawsuits.