MLS, PLAYERS AGREE TO NEW CONTRACT
Major League Soccer and its players reached a new five-year collective bargaining agreement in time for the start of the season later this month.
The agreement includes greater investment in player spending, and flexibility for the league’s teams in spending those funds. It also expands free agency and allows teams to take more charter flights, which the players had prioritized. The deal also gives players a share of the media rights deals in 2023 and 2024.
AP source: Bryant memorial set for Feb. 24 at Staples Center.
LOS
» A public memorial service ANGELES for Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others killed in a helicopter crash is planned for Feb. 24 at Staples Center, a person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press on Thursday.
The arena is where Bryant starred for the Los Angeles Lakers for most of his two-decade career and the date 2/24 corresponds with the No. 24 jersey he wore and the No. 2 worn by his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
Bryant was killed Jan. 26 when the helicopter carrying him, his daughter and the others crashed into a mountainside in Calabasas, Calif., while flying to a girls basketball tournament at his Mamba Sports Academy.
Report: Michigan’s Simpson crashed car prior to suspension.
» Michigan guard ANN AR B OR, MICH .
Zavier Simpson reportedly crashed a vehicle registered to the wife of the Wolverines’ athletic director last month, shortly before the school announced he was suspended for a game.
MLive, citing a police report, reported that officers found Simpson outside the vehicle around 3 a.m. on Jan. 26. The car had made contact with a pole and street sign. An officer said he did not notice any smell of intoxicant from Simpson’s breath.
According to the police report, Simpson told officers his name was Jeff Jackson Simpson, and that he’d been walking down the street and noticed the crashed vehicle.
When officers recognized him and asked why he’d given a different name, Simpson said he didn’t want to be involved with the crash report.
Driver charged in police chase along Super Bowl parade route.
MO.» A driver who was
K ANSAS CITY, arrested after leading police on a chase along the parade route where the Kansas City Chiefs were preparing to celebrate their Super Bowl win faces several charges, including driving while intoxicated, prosecutors said Thursday.
Addae Doyle, of Kansas City, Kansas, is charged with one count each of resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance, in addition to the DWI count, prosecutors said.
Manfred says Mets sale is off.
LA.» Baseball Commissioner ORLANDO, F Rob Manfred says talks have ended over the proposed sale of a controlling share of the New York Mets from the families of Fred Wilpon and Saul Katz to hedge fund manager Steven Cohen.
Weddle says he’s done after 13-year NFL career. »
LOS ANGELES Six-time Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle says he is done with his 13-year NFL career. Weddle made his long-expected retirement announcement on Twitter on Thursday.
Max Muncy, Dodgers agree to $26 million, 3-year contract.
LOS » Infielder Max Muncy and ANGELES the Dodgers agreed to a $26 million, three-year contract Thursday and avoided salary arbitration.
Chris Young replaces Joe Torre as MLB disciplinarian. »
ORLANDO, FL A. Hall of Famer Joe Torre, who has headed baseball operations at the commissioner’s office since 2011, is shifting to a role as special assistant to the commissioner. Former pitcher Chris Young will replace Torre as the person who decides suspensions and fines for on-field matters, such as intentionally hitting batters, charging the mound and fights.