NCAA graduation rates improve

Graduation rates for NCAA athletes have reached a record high of 88 percent, according to data released by college sports’ governing body.

Graduation success-rate data released Wednesday by the NCAA showed a 1 percentage point increase from 2017, with similar increases among men’s basketball players (3 percentage points to 85) and FBS football players (1 percentage point to 79).

Data were compiled for college athletes who entered school in 2011.

Graduation rates for black athletes were up 2 percentage points to 79 percent. Black men’s basketball players, who reached an all-time GSR of 78 percent last year, increased an additional 4 points in 2018 to 82 percent.

NFL:

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, who has been out with a foot injury, practiced Wednesday and could make his season debut Sunday against the Denver Broncos, head coach Anthony Lynn said. ... Former Raiders wide receiver Brice Butler signed with the Miami Dolphins . ... The Arizona Cardinals signed former Raiders cornerback David Amerson.

College football:

Alabama nose tackle Quinnen Williams, Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen, LSU safety Grant Delpit, Michigan linebacker Devin Bush and Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins are the five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy given to the nation’s top defensive player.

College soccer:

Stanford’s Tanner Beason was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first man in conference history to receive both honors.

Golf:

Cal alum Byeong Hun An shot a 5-under-par 67 at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney on Thursday. He owned a onestroke lead late in the first round of the Australian Open.

Tennis:

Novak Djokovic overcame an illness — and Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-1 — to advance to the last four of the ATP Finals in London.

Djokovic’s passage to an eighth semifinal at the tournament was confirmed when Marin Cilic defeated John Isner 6-7 (2), 6-3 6-4 in the late match.

1 Agnieszka Radwanska, a 2012 Wimbledon finalist, announced she is retiring after a 13-year career. She is 29.