Broadcaster Whitaker dies
Jack Whitaker, whose Hall of Fame broadcasting career ranged from the first Super Bowl to Secretariat’s Triple Crown to short essays from major sporting events, died Sunday morning, CBS reported. The network said Whitaker died of natural causes in his sleep in Devon, Pa. He was 95.
Whitaker began his broadcast career at WCAUTV in Philadelphia and spent 22 years with CBS Sports. He moved to ABC in 1982 and worked for the news and sports divisions. He was part of the network’s Olympics coverage in 1984 and 1988.
Former NFL running back Cedric Benson, one of the most prolific rushers in NCAA and University of Texas history, died in a motorcycle accident in Texas. He was 36.
Benson’s attorney, Sam Bassett, said Austin, Texas, law enforcement told him that Benson was killed in the wreck Saturday night. He had no details about the accident.
Benson played at Texas from 2001 to 2004, and his 5,540 yards rushing rank second at the university and ninth in NCAA history. He was drafted No. 4 overall by the Bears in 2005 and helped Chicago reach the playoffs the following season.
Will Power won the shortened race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., giving him an IndyCar victory for a 13th straight season. The race was called with 72 laps left because of severe weather in the area. Series points leader Josef Newgarden finished fifth and leads by 35 points with three races left . ... Leah Pritchett ended a 26-event winless streak with a victory in the NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn., beating Mike Salinas in the final with a 4.066-second run at 235.72 mph for her eighth-career top fuel title. Ron Capps (funny car) and Jason Line (pro stock) also earned wins.
Madison Keys defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-5, 7-6 (5) in the Western & Southern Open final in Mason, Ohio, for her first Cincinnati championship. On the men’s side, Daniil Medvedev beat David Goffin 7-6 (3), 6-4 for his first Masters 1000 title.
Former England and Galaxy defender Ashley Cole is planning a move into coaching after announcing his retirement from soccer. Cole won 13 major titles during his 20-year career.