JUDGE DISMISSES PITINO’S LAWSUIT
KY.» A federal judge has LOUISVILLE, dismissed former Louisville coach Rick Pitino’s lawsuit against Adidas, agreeing with the sportswear maker that his claim requires arbitration and should be heard out of court.
Pitino sued Adidas last October in U.S. District Court for breach of contract, alleging that the Oregon-based company deliberately ruined his reputation. Adidas had terminated its personal services contract with Pitino hours after Louisville’s Athletic Association fired him for cause following the school’s acknowledgement of its involvement in a federal bribery investigation of college basketball. Pitino was not named in the federal complaint.
His lawsuit said Adidas “outrageously conspired” to funnel money to the family of a Louisville recruit without his knowledge and made it appear he was aware of its practices.
Judge David J. Hale wrote Tuesday that while the court agreed with Adidas’ argument that Pitino had already begun his claim, it should be dismissed for improper venue and brought to arbitration in Oregon if it can’t be mediated.
Women’s powers to meet again.
TENN.» Connecticut and KNOXVILLE,
Tennessee plan to face each other in women’s basketball during the 201920 and 2020-21 seasons, renewing a rivalry dormant since 2007.
UConn will host Tennessee during the 2019-20 season, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Pat Summitt Foundation and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The teams will meet again in Knoxville in 2020-21 with portions of the proceeds benefiting the Pat Summitt Foundation, Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Predators sign defenseman Ellis.
TENN.» Nashville Predators NASHVILLE, defenseman Ryan Ellis signed an eight-year deal worth $50 million that keeps under contract through the 2026-27 season.
The 27-year-old Ellis will earn $6.25 million annually starting in 2019-20. He has one year remaining on the five-year, $12.5 million contract he signed on Oct. 5, 2014.
Devils re-sign blueliner Santini.
N.J.» The New Jersey Devils NEWARK, re-signed defenseman Steven Santini to a three-year, $4.25 million contract.
Texas DB quickly eligible for Tech.
TEXAS» Texas Tech added LUBBOCK, graduate transfer John Bonney to its roster hours after Big 12 rival Texas announced the defensive back’s intention to leave the Longhorns.
Bonney, who played in all 37 Texas games the past three seasons and started 15 of them, will have one season of eligibility remaining. He can play immediately for the Red Raiders, who open their season Sept. 1 against Ole Miss in Houston.
Texas plays at Texas Tech on Nov. 10..
1970 Marshall QB Oliver dies.
W.VA.» The Marshall HUNTINGTON,
University quarterback who was part of the team’s return after the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 players has died. Reggie Oliver was 66.
Oliver was hospitalized in Huntsville, Ala., last week after suffering a head injury in a fall.
Federer advances in straight sets.
OHIO» Roger Federer advanced MASON, to the third round of the Western & Southern Open with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Peter Gojowczyk.
Tiger propels huge TV ratings.
YORK» There’s nothing like a late NEW charge from Tiger Woods to juice the ratings of a major golf tournament.
CBS reached 8.5 million viewers Sunday for final-round competition at the PGA Championship from St. Louis, a whopping 73 percent increase from the 4.9 million people who watched the same tournament’s conclusion in 2017.
They were the best ratings for a PGA championship since 2009.