NFL’s offseason program includes mandatory minicamp

The NFL’s revised offseason program still includes a post-draft rookie minicamp, voluntary workouts and a mandatory minicamp next month despite the union’s objection to inperson activities due to COVID-19 concerns.

A memo obtained by The Associated Press that was sent to teams on April 14 outlined several changes to the offseason schedule that was agreed upon under the collective bargaining agreement last year.

The first phase of the offseason program was extended from two weeks to four from April 19 to May 14. Teams can hold up two hours of activity at their facility, but on-field drills will not be permitted and all meetings must be held virtually. Capacity limits for the facility and weight room remain in place.

During this first phase, the league plans to focus on educating players about the COVID-19 vaccine and making it available without jumping ahead of the general public. Players, coaches and staff will be encouraged to take the vaccine but it won’t be mandatory.

The second phase has been shortened from three weeks to one from May 17 to May 24. On-field drills will be permitted without contact but meetings will remain virtual.

A lawyer and his 26-year-old client told Pittsburgh police that Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald and others assaulted the man at a nightclub last weekend, causing multiple injuries. Attorney Todd J. Hollis said his client, De’Vincent Spriggs, needed 16 stitches and suffered a broken orbital bone in his head, a broken nose and a

RAMS’ DONALD ACCUSED >>

sprained or broken arm at a bar on East Carson Street in the city’s South Side.

One of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment has dropped her case, citing privacy and security concerns after some of the women were ordered to make their names public following court hearings last week.

ONE SUIT DROPPED>> MLB

ASTROS PUT FIVE ON IL >> The Astros have placed second baseman Jose Altuve,

third baseman Alex Bregman, designated hitter Yordan Álvarez, catcher Martín Maldonado and infielder Robel Garcia on the injured list because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

College basketball

ARIZONA HIRE >> Arizona has hired longtime Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd as its men’s basketball coach. The school said that Lloyd will receive a five-year contract, pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents. Lloyd replaces Sean Miller, who was fired after 12 years on April 7 amid an NCAA infractions investigation.

AHL

MONSTERS WIN >> The visiting Monsters scored four goals in the third period to beat Rochester, 5-3.

It’s the second win against the Americans in less than a week. Cleveland won, 9-2, on April 10.

Dillon Simpson scored twice for the Monsters. Tyler Sikura, Ole BjorgvikHolm and Tristan Mullin had one goal each. Sikura’s tally was short-handed.

The Monsters outshot the Americans, 33-20. Cleveland goalie Daniil Tarasov stopped 17 of 20 shots.