Commanders release Wentz
The Washington Commanders released Carson Wentz, an expected move that puts an end to the oneseason experiment with the veteran quarterback that did not work out.
After giving up draft picks to acquire him in a trade with Indianapolis last March, the Commanders got out of the final two years of Wentz’s contract without any salary cap penalty.
Wentz, who turned 30 in December, threw 11 touchdown passes with nine interceptions in eight games, going 2-5 as the starter.
The Commanders also cut safety Bobby McCain.
The Chargers officially promoted Derrick Ansley to defensive coordinator and announced the additions of quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier, linebackers coach Jeff Howard and defensive quality control assistant Robert Muschamp.
UCLA football coach Chip Kelly announced changes to his staff, including the expected hiring of D’Anton Lynn as defensive coordinator. Lynn, the 33year-old son of former Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, had been safeties coach for the Baltimore Ravens.
Lynn replaces Bill McGovern, who will transition into a role as director of football administration after experiencing undisclosed health issues that forced him to miss five games last season. Outside linebackers coach Ikaika Malloe also will coach the defensive line upon the departure of Chad Malloe, and running backs coach DeShaun Foster was given the new title of associate head coach.
Brian Norwood will coach the safeties, and newcomer Kodi Whitfield will coach the cornerbacks.
— Ben Bolch
Florida hired Austin Armstrong as defensive coordinator, poaching a member of Nick Saban’s Alabama staff.
Terry Holland, who elevated Virginia basketball to national prominence as coach, died at age 80 on Sunday night . ... Houston was No. 1 in the Associated Press top 25 men’s poll, and UCLA remained No. 4. … The South Carolina women ran their streak to 36 consecutive weeks atop the AP women’s poll. UCLA fell two spots to No. 19 . ... The No. 7 Baylor men held off host Oklahoma State for a 74-68 victory. The Bears played without leading scorer Keyonte George (sprained ankle).
World Cup champion Lionel Messi won FIFA’s best men’s player award. The best women’s player was Spain’s Alexia Putellas. ... U.S. women’s coach Vlatko Andonovski earned 27% as much as men’s coach Gregg Berhalter in the year ending last March 31. Andonovski earned $446,495, while Berhalter earned $1,641,398 . ... Former Germany great Jurgen Klinsmann was hired to coach South Korea.
Novak Djokovic broke the record for the most time spent at No. 1 in the pro tennis rankings, beginning his 378th week in the ATP’s top spot to surpass Steffi Graf ’s 377 leading the WTA.
$2.85-MILLION DUBAI TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS At Dubai, United Arab Emirates Surface: Hard-court outdoor
MEN’S SINGLES (round of 32) — Lorenzo Sonego, Italy, def. Marc-Andrea Huesler, Switzerland, 7-5, 6-3. Thanasi Kokkinakis, Australia, def. Quentin Halys, France, 6-4, 7-6 (9). Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Spain, def. Malek Jaziri, Tunisia, 6-2, 6-0. Tallon Griekspoor, Netherlands, def. Constant Lestienne, France, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. Andrey Rublev (2), Russia, def. Filip Krajinovic, Serbia, 7-5, 6-2. Pavel Kotov, Russia, def. Alexei Popyrin, Australia, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (3). Alexander Zverev (7), Germany, def. Jiri Lehecka, Czech Republic, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
MEN’S DOUBLES (round of 16) — Robin Haase and Matwe Middelkoop, Netherlands, def. John-Patrick Smith and Andrew Harris, Australia, 6-4, 6-2. $259,303-ATX
OPEN At Austin, Texas Surface: Hard-court outdoor WOMEN’S SINGLES (round of 32) — Katie Volynets, United States, def. Alison Riske-Amritraj, U.S., 6-3, 3-6, 6-0. Anna Blinkova, Russia, def. Ann Li, U.S., 6-4, 6-4. Mirjam Bjorklund, Sweden, def. Alycia Parks (7), U.S., 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Heather Watson, Britain, def. Danka Kovinic, Montenegro, 7-6 (2), 6-4. WOMEN’S DOUBLES (round of 16) — Nadiia Kichenok, Ukraine, and Anna-Lena Friedsam (3), Germany, def. Lena Papadakis, Germany, and Adrienn Nagy, Hungary, 3-6, 6-2, 10-5. Olivia Tjandramulia, Australia, and Ingrid Neel, U.S., def. Elixane Lechemia, France, and Quinn Gleason, U.S., 6-3, 6-1. Robin Montgomery and Ashlyn Krueger, U.S., def. Alexandra Panova, Russia, and Harriet Dart (4), Britain, 6-3, 3-6, 10-7.