CUBS’ CHAIRMAN APOLOGIZES TO TEAM
» Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts apologized to the team’s players and coaching staff at spring training for any distraction caused by offensive racist emails written by his father.
Tom Ricketts said he was surprised by the emails because “our family was never raised that way. I’ve never heard my father say anything remotely racist.”
Joe Ricketts’ emails were published by Splinter News and included Islamophobic comments, such as “Islam is a cult and not a religion.” Other emails included conspiracies about former President Barack Obama’s birthplace and education.
The Cubs and the Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, announced Monday that Tom Ricketts had met with leaders of several Muslim groups to take “genuine, meaningful and visible steps toward combating Islamophobia, bigotry and racism.”
Joe Ricketts, who founded TD Ameritrade, apologized. Tom Ricketts said in statement that his father’s emails don’t reflect the values of the Cubs, insisting Monday he can’t do anything about the emails now but can use this situation as an opportunity to do more positive things.
Tigers’ Cabrera faces live pitching.
» Miguel Cabrera hit
L A KEL A ND , FL A. against a pitcher for the first time since rupturing a tendon in his left biceps last June 12.
The 35-year-old hit, fielded, threw and ran the bases Monday during the Detroit Tigers’ first full-squad workout of spring training.
“I feel good about being back on the field and playing,” the two-time AL MVP said. I can’t be hurt this year. I want to do my job.”
Cabrera strained a hamstring last year and then had the arm injury that required season-ending surgery. He was limited to 38 games.
Angels, Trout discussing contract.
» Los Angeles Angels TEMPE , A RI Z. owner Arte Moreno said the team has had internal discussions regarding a new contract for outfielder Mike Trout, who can become a free agent after the 2020 season.
The two-time AL MVP is owed $33.25 million in each of the next two seasons, completing a $144.5 million, six-year contract.
Serena Williams ranked No. 10.
Serena Williams has returned to the top 10 in the tennis rankings for the first time since taking a break to have her first child.
Williams dropped as low as 491st upon her return to competition in March 2018 but is up to No. 10 after reaching two Grand Slam finals since, losing to Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon and No. 1-ranked Naomi Osaka at the U.S. Open.
Williams hasn’t played since her quarterfinal loss to Karolina Pliskova at last month’s Australian Open, but she still overtook Caroline Wozniacki. The Danish player’s points from reaching last year’s Doha semifinals expired this week.
Ex-Arizona coach Olson in hospital.
Former Arizona coach Lute Olson was hospitalized after suffering a minor stroke over the weekend.
Banner University Medical Center said in a news release the 84-year-old Hall of Famer is in good condition but will need some rehabilitation once he is released from the hospital.
Spartans’ Ward out a few weeks.
» Michigan State
, . forward Nick Ward had surgery on his broken left hand and is expected to be out of for at least a few weeks.
Ward said he was injured when his hand made contact with an opponent’s elbow in a 62-44 win over Ohio State on Sunday.
Sabres’ Okposo sent home.
Buffalo Sabres forward B U FF A LO , N .Y.
Kyle Okposo was sent home for further medical evaluation three days after being punched in the face during a fight with the New York Rangers’ Tony DeAngelo.