RAPIDS SIGN BARRIOS TO 1-YEAR EXTENSION
Colorado Rapids forward Michael Barrios signed a one-year contract extension Thursday, which will run through the 2022 Major League Soccer season. The deal includes a club option for 2023.
Barrios, 30, from Barranquilla, Columbia, was instrumental in helping the Rapids take the top seed in the Western Conference ahead of this year’s MLS Cup playoffs, as he led the club with eight goals and was second with six assists.
The re-signing was the Rapids’ first offseason move since a season-ending 1-0 loss to Portland on Thanksgiving.
Huskers’ Martinez enters transfer portal.
LINCOLN, NEB.» Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez announced Thursday that he will enter the transfer portal, another blow for the struggling Cornhuskers. The three-time captain completed his best season in 2021, completing 61.8% of his throws for 2,863 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a career-best rating of 149.0.
Brown, 2 others suspended for violating COVID rules.
NEW YORK» Antonio Brown and two other NFL players were suspended immediately for three games by the league for violating COVID-19 protocols. The Tampa Bay wide receiver and teammate Mike Edwards were suspended Thursday. Free agent John Franklin III, if signed by a team, is also ineligible to play in the next three games.
Blues’ Binnington, Faulk enter NHL COVID-19 protocol.
Justin Faulk was scratched minutes before the St. Louis Blues’ game at the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday, and the team confirmed the defenseman had entered the NHL’S COVID-19 protocol. Faulk’s absence came hours after goaltender Jordan Binnington went into protocol and put the Blues in a tough spot because of salary cap constraints.
Bucks’ Lopez undergoes surgery.
MILWAUKEE» Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez underwent surgery to address a back injury that has kept him from playing since the opening game of the season. Team officials didn’t provide a timetable for his eventual return.
Medvedev puts Russia back in Davis Cup semifinals.
MADRID» Daniil Medvedev maintained his perfect record at the Davis Cup Finals to put Russia into the last four. Medvedev defeated Mikael Ymer 6-4, 6-4 Thursday to give Russia an insurmountable 2-0 lead over Sweden in the quarterfinals. Russia will face Germany in the semifinals Saturday. Serbia and Novak Djokovic face Croatia in the other semifinal Friday.
NCAA approves 42nd bowl game.
The NCAA football oversight committee approved a waiver to the deadline for bowl certification so another game can be added to this season’s lineup, upping the number to 42 and ensuring all teams that finished 6-6 can play in the postseason. The game replaces the Redbox Bowl that was canceled in September.
UNC volleyball knocked out of NCAA tourney.
The University of Northern Colorado volleyball team saw its season end with a 25-17, 25-15, 25-20 loss to Washington State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday in Waco, Texas. The Bears finished the season 24-7.
Ronaldo reaches 800 career goals.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND» Cristiano Ronaldo reached 800 career goals with a double that secured Manchester United a 3-2 victory against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Mcilroy part of 3-way tie for lead in Bahamas.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS» Rory Mcilroy fired a 6-under 66 to share the lead with Daniel Berger and Abraham Ancer in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
Lebron out of COVID-19 protocols.
LOS ANGELES» The NBA said additional COVID-19 testing cleared Lebron James to play when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. — Staff and wire reports