AROUND THE HORN
Cubs:
The federal government sued the Cubs on Thursday and accused the team of failing to make Wrigley Field accessible to those with disabilities when the century-old ballpark was modernized in a half-billion dollar project that added luxury seating, bathrooms and restaurants. The lawsuit filed by U.S. Attorney John Lausch Jr. says the team’s 1060 Project “has had a significant adverse impact on individuals with disabilities and their ability to access Wrigley Field.” It asks for compensatory damages and civil penalties and demands that the team fix the problems to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the lawsuit, the renovations that began in 2014 and were projected to cost more than $550 million removed the best wheelchair seating in the stadium, failed to include it in new premium clubs and stuck it in the last row of the bleachers, where it’s blocked by drink rails or fans standing up to cheer. “Although this project significantly enhanced the gameday experience for many fans, particularly those able to take advantage of premium clubs and other luxury accommodations, the same cannot be said for fans with disabilities,” the lawsuit said. The Cubs said in a statement that they’re disappointed that the lawsuit was filed and said they hope the matter can be resolved amicably. The team said the renovation of the ballpark, a national and Chicago landmark, “greatly increased” accessibility in accordance with the law and the historic preservation standards, with 50% more accessible seating options, 11 more elevators and enhanced audio assistance for fans with hearing impairments. Built in 1914, Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in the major leagues and a longtime holdout against many of the newer trends in sports stadiums. The 1060 Project aimed to provide fans with the amenities — and the team with revenue — of a modern stadium while maintaining its traditional charm.
Yankees: RHP Luis Severino was placed on the 15-day injured list, one day after leaving his start against the Reds with right shoulder tightness. Severino had an MRI that showed a low-grade strain to his right latissimus dorsi muscle. Before the Yankees even announced the test results, manager Aaron Boone acknowledged it was likely Severino would miss some time. Severino is 5-3 with a 3.45 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 86 innings. He’s made 16 starts after missing most of the last three seasons due to injuries.
Extra inning: Freddie Freeman’s former agent and his company have sued a radio host for libel, alleging Doug Gottlieb falsely claimed Casey Close never informed the first baseman, now of the Dodgers, of the Braves’ last contract offer. Close and Excel Sports Management filed the suit in U.S. District Court, accusing Gottlieb of “false, disparaging and derogatory” comments in a tweet they claimed were made “in a grossly irresponsible manner.” Gottlieb is affiliated with Fox Sports, the Pac-12 Network and CBS Sports, according to the suit.