Maryland stresses safety

Maryland interim coach Matt Canada has taken steps to ensure that the Terrapins are poised to deal with the heat of summer during his practices following the death of offensive lineman Jordan McNair.

In the first workout since Maryland publicly accepted responsibility for mistakes that contributed to McNair’s death, two tents were in the place at the practice field Wednesday to provide shade. Underneath the awnings are fans, liquids and ice.

Practice sessions have been shortened to less than two hours, with time for breaks.

“The focus of our player’s health and safety is No. 1, and our players are feeling that and understanding that,” Canada said before leading the team onto the field.

The 6-foot-4, 325-pound McNair collapsed during a preseason conditioning drill on May 29. He died on June 13.

FOOTBALL

Johnny Manziel was placed under the Canadian Football League’s concussion protocol Wednesday.

The Montreal Alouettes quarterback was hit at the goal line last weekend, leading to a fumble that a teammate recovered for a touchdown in a 24-17 loss at Ottawa. Manziel completed the game, but missed practices Tuesday and Wednesday.

“On Tuesday morning, Johnny Manziel mentioned to our medical staff that he felt symptoms that could be associated with the prescribed medication he uses for a previously diagnosed medical condition,” the Alouettes said in a statement. “He then missed practice in order to have some blood work done.

“In view of the hit he received on Saturday and the potential mitigating side effects of his prescribed medication, the Alouettes medical staff has placed Manziel under the CFL concussion protocol for further observation and precautionary reasons. Manziel will be closely observed and assessed in the next few days.”

Manziel has said he suffers from bipolar disorder. BASEBALL

Aaron Cox, a former Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect and the brother-in-law of Mike Trout, has died. He was 24.

The Angels disclosed no further details in a statement issued on behalf of Trout and his wife, Jessica Cox.

“Aaron Cox was a tremendous son, brother, and brother-in-law,” the statement said. “He had a deep love for his family, and a passionate dedication and commitment to his friends. As our families grieve together, we will also celebrate the memories, the laughter, and the love we each shared with Aaron in the short time we had him.”

RUNNING

An Ethiopian marathon runner who went into exile after protesting against oppression in his country while winning a silver medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics has been asked to return home.

Feyisa Lilesa captured international attention when he raised his arms above his head and crossed his wrists at the finish line in Rio in protest against the Ethiopian government. Now, he’s been invited back by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation.

The invitation came after reformist prime minister Abiy Ahmed assumed power.

GOLF

Brookfield’s Harrison Ott beat Justin Suh, 1 up, in his first match in the U.S. Amateur Championship in Pebble Beach, Calif.

Ott will play Viktor Hovland in the round of 32.