CHARGERS’ VERRETT TEARS ACHILLES IN TEST BEFORE CAMP
CALIF.» Jason Verrett incurred COSTA MESA, another serious injury before training camp even started for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The former Pro Bowl cornerback tore his Achilles tendon Friday morning during a conditioning test, one day before the first practice of camp. The Chargers will do more tests to determine the severity of the injury, but it’s another heartbreaking blow to a promising player who has been unable to stay healthy in the NFL.
After making the Pro Bowl during the 2015 season, Verrett missed 12 games in 2016 and 15 games last season due to a persistent knee injury.
Rookie Darnold a holdout as Jets camp opens.
FLORHAM PARK,
Sam Darnold is officially a contract holdout. The New York Jets have started training camp without their prized rookie quarterback from USC. Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft and remains one of just two selections from the entire draft without a contract.
Jets WR Stewart suspended 2 games for PEDs.
FLORHAM PARK,
N.J.» New York Jets wide receiver ArDarius Stewart has been suspended by the NFL without pay for the first two games of the regular season for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Stewart, entering his second NFL season, can return to the active roster Sept. 17.
Rams listen to fans, increase use of blue-and-yellow jerseys. IRVINE,
CALIF.» The Los Angeles Rams listened to their fans and ramped up their use of their classic blue-andyellow uniforms. The Rams will wear the franchise’s classic uniforms in their final five home games at the Coliseum this season.
Capela signs five-year, $90 million extension with Rockets. HOUSTON»
Clint Capela has signed a five-year, $90 million extension with the Houston Rockets. Capela, who was a restricted free agent, started a careerhigh 74 games last season in helping Houston reach the NBA’s Western Conference finals.
10 more ex-students sue Ohio State over sexual abuse.
Ten more former students have sued Ohio State over alleged sexual misconduct by a now-dead team doctor, accusing school officials of facilitating abuse by ignoring complaints and requiring some athletes to get physicals from him. The case filed Thursday is the third federal lawsuit brought by men alleging sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, who worked at Ohio State from 1978 until he retired in 1998.
Suspended Florida freshman leaving school after his 2nd arrest.
FLA.» Florida freshman GAINESVILLE,
Justin Watkins says he is leaving the school, three days after being accused of hitting and strangling his girlfriend.
He said on Twitter he wants “to better my opportunities.” It was unlikely the Gators would have welcomed him back. The 19-year-old cornerback was arrested and charged with false imprisonment/kidnapping and domestic battery by strangulation. It was Watkins’ second arrest in 10 weeks.
Bradley plays last 4 holes in 6-under at Canadian Open.
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO»
Keegan Bradley played the last four holes in 6-under, making two of his three eagles Friday, to pull within a shot of the lead in the RBC Canadian Open. Playing alongside leader Kevin Tway at Glen Abbey, Bradley closed birdie-eagle-birdie-eagle for a 9-under-par 63. He also eagled the par-5 second hole. Tway birdied the final hole for a 65 to get to 13-under.
Capitals re-sign Wilson to $31.02 million, 6-year deal.
ARLINGTON,
VA.» The Washington Capitals have re-signed right winger Tom Wilson to a $31.02 million, six-year deal. The contract carries a $5.17 million salary cap hit through the 2023-24 season. Wilson was the Stanley Cup champions’ final restricted free agent.