ESPN REMINDS STAFF: GO EASY ON POLITICS
YORK» ESPN is reminding employees NEW of the network’s policy to avoid talking about politics after radio talk show host Dan Le Batard criticized President Donald Trump and his recent comments and ESPN itself on the air this week.
The reminder went out Friday to all employees, including Le Batard, according to an ESPN employee who spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because the person was not authorized to speak publicly about personnel matters.
ESPN has not spoken publicly about Le Batard’s comments, including whether he faces any disciplinary action.
Reached on Saturday, Le Batard also declined comment.
For ESPN, the episode raises comparisons to what happened following anti-trump tweets by its former anchor Jemele Hill nearly two years ago. Following that case, and criticism among some conservatives about left-leaning remarks on ESPN’S air, network president Jimmy Pitaro decreed that its employees should avoid political talk unless they’re reporting on issues raised by sports figures.
Rapids fall 2-1 to NYC FC. COMMERCE CITY» Sebastian Anderson gave Colorado an early lead, but Heber Araujo Dos Santos tied it at 1-1 later in the first half for New York City FC and Alexandru Mitrita provided the winner in the 83rd minute for the visitors at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
Colorado fell to 5-11-5, and NYC FC improved to 8-3-8.
Herman holds Barbasol lead.
NICHOLASVILLE, KY.» Jim Herman had two eagles in a 10-under-par 62 to maintain a one-stroke lead in the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship.
Herman made an 11-foot eagle putt on the par-5 eighth and a 10-footer on the par-5 15th. He also had six birdies to get to 24-under 192 at rain-softened Keene Trace.
Kelly Kraft was second after a course-record 61. He also eagled the 15th, holing a 65-footer.
Austin Cook (63) and Bill Haas (65) were four strokes back at 20-under.
The winner will receive a spot in the PGA Championship, but not in the Masters.
Clanton/suwannapura win LPGA event. MICH.» Cydney ClanMIDLAND, ton and Jasmine Suwannapura ran away with the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, shooting an 11-under 59 in best-ball play for a six-stroke win.
Jin Young Ko and Minjee Lee closed with a 58 to finish second.
Biles wins U.S. Classic. LOUISVILLE,
KY.» Simone Biles won the U.S. Classic to maintain her six-year winning streak.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion, who has not lost since the 2013 U.S. Championships, had an all-around score of 60.000, 2.100 points ahead of runner-up Riley Mccusker. Grace Mccallum was third at 57.700. Boxer has surgery after collapsing.
MD.» Doctors say boxer OXON HILL, Maxim Dadashev had surgery at a Maryland hospital for swelling on his brain after collapsing outside the ring after losing a match. He is expected to remain at the hospital for days.
Dadashev collapsed after a loss to undefeated Subriel Matias in their 140-pound bout at the Theater at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill. Trainor James Mcgirt stopped the fight before the 12th-round bell.
Bell wins Xfinity Series race.
N.H.» Christopher Bell LOUDON, moved into a tie for the NASCAR Xfinity Series victory lead with five, dominating in hot conditions at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Bell led 186 of the 200 laps in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 20 Toyota — only losing the lead when he pitted on Lap 33 — and finished more than four seconds ahead of Cole Custer, the Ford driver who won last weekend at Kentucky Speedway for his fifth victory of the season.