Patriots, Newton agree to a deal
The New England Patriots reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL most valuable player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told the Associated Press.
The one-year contract is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly.
The Patriots had been set to head to training camp with 2019 fourth-round draft choice Jarrett Stidham as the heir apparent to Brady, who led the team to six Super Bowl titles but signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Newton had one year left on a fiveyear contract with the Carolina Panthers, but they cut him March 24.
The NFL fined the Patriots $1.1 million for inappropriately filming the Cincinnati Bengals’ sideline during a game last season and took away a thirdround draft pick in 2021. Also, the team’s production crew cannot shoot games during the 2020 season.
Former Washington Redskins assistant coach Joe Bugel, regarded as one of the top offensive line coaches in NFL history, died. He was 80. Bugel died Sunday, according to a team statement that did not disclose a cause.
Idrogo was suspended for 72 games and Aleaziz for 50. — Steve Henson
Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Edgar Santana will miss all of the 2020 season after being suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s drug program . ... The New York Yankees and World Series champion Washington Nationals are set to meet at Nationals Park when the season opens in late July.
Major League Soccer announced that 18 players and six club staff members received positive coronavirus tests before traveling to Orlando, Fla., for the MLS Is Back tournament set to begin July 8. A total of 668 players have been tested.
After a 2-0 win at Newcastle, defending champion Manchester City will play in the FA Cup semifinals. City will face Arsenal, while Chelsea will play Manchester United . ... Real Madrid took a step toward reclaiming the Spanish league title with a 1-0 victory at Espanyol that moved it ahead of Barcelona by two points atop the standings.
The U.S. Open golf tournament is returning to NBC starting Sept. 17-20 at Winged Foot after Fox Sports asked to end its 12-year contract with the USGA.