Cyclist Froome pleads with fans to be civil
Chris Froome has asked Tour de France fans to let him race in peace, even if they doubt the recent ruling that cleared him of doping allegations.
The British cyclist has been targeted by spectators in the past. During the 2015 Tour, he said a man threw a cup of urine at him while yelling “doper.”
With the latest edition beginning Saturday, five days after the International Cycling Union finally ruled Froome had won last year’s Spanish Vuelta cleanly, the four-time Tour winner offered an alternative way for skeptical fans to show their distrust.
“Support the race in a positive way, don’t bring negativity,” he said Wednesday in western France. “In terms of safety I obviously would encourage fans of the sport to come watch the race, and if you are not necessarily a Chris Froome fan or a Sky fan, come to the race and put a jersey on of another team you do support. That would be my advice.”
A cloud hung over Froome after a urine sample taken during the Vuelta in September showed a concentration of the asthma drug salbutamol that was twice the permitted level.
After months of silence, the International Cycling Union said Froome’s result did not represent an adverse finding, which could have led him to be stripped of his Vuelta victory, and a suspension.
Collin Sexton signed his rookie contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are taking their first steps since LeBron James announced he’s signing with the Lakers.
When the Cavaliers drafted Sexton with the No. 8 pick last month, the Alabama guard instantly pleaded with James to re-sign with the team.
“LeBron, let’s do it,” Sexton said in a TV interview moments after he was picked. “I’ve seen you needed a few extra pieces this past season, and let’s do it. Let’s go back to the Finals.”
For now, Sexton will have to settle for a four-year contract that could be worth $20.2 million over its length.
Amir Johnson has agreed to return to the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year contract. The 6-foot-9 Johnson was primarily a reserve for the 76ers last season, when he averaged 4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds.
U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan says he never knew of sexual abuse by a now-dead doctor who examined wrestlers Jordan helped coach decades ago at Ohio State.
Ex-wrestlers Mike DiSabato and Dunyasha Yetts say the powerful Republican congressman from Ohio knew back then that Richard Strauss was groping male wrestlers.
Jordan spoke to reporters at a July Fourth rally in Fremont and said he knew Strauss but wasn’t aware of abuse by him. Jordan says if he’d learned of such allegations he would have reported them.
Soi Phet, a 10-year-old gelding, defeated 2-1 favorite B Squared by a nose to win the $101,035 Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos.
Georgia starting quarterback Jake Fromm broke his left, non-throwing, hand in what is being described as a “freak” accident on a boat.
Dee Ann Andretti, the wife of famed driver Mario Andretti and matriarch of one of the most prominent families in motorsports, has died. She was 76.
Andretti died Tuesday, a few weeks after suffering a heart attack. Grandson Marco Andretti announced her death on social media, posting: “RIP Grammy Andretti. You will be missed.” The IndyCar Series confirmed her death.