2 players denied visas into Turkey with Russian team

WNBA players Emma Cannon and Brionna Jones have been denied visas for entry into Turkey with their Russian team this week, fallout from a diplomatic dispute between the United States and Turkey.

The two players told The Associated Press in texts Tuesday that they were at the Moscow airport when the team president told them they wouldn’t be allowed to enter Turkey. Cannon and Jones are members of the Russian team Nadezhda in the winter to supplement their income.

The U.S. on Sunday suspended the issuing of visas for Turkish citizens hoping to visit or study in the United States after Turkey arrested U.S. consulate employee Metin Topuz last week on allegations of espionage.

Turkey immediately halted visa services in the U.S. in response. NEWARK, N.J. » A group of New York Giants football players who have protested during the national anthem have visited with Newark police officers and high school students.

Damon Harrison, Mark Herzlich and Adam Bisnowaty met with police officers and students on Monday to discuss systemic racism and make donations.

Members of the Bronze Shields, the Newark Police Department’s African American officer’s association, showed support for the protests. Bronze Shields president Sgt. Levi Holmes says the group understands players are “taking a knee to object to the different injustices that happen in the country.”

The players and police officers visited football teams at Central High School and Weequahic High School. The players donated $10,000 to each school for new equipment. METAIRIE, LA. » The New Orleans Pelicans say veteran guard Rajon Rondo is expected to be sidelined about four to six weeks following surgery on Tuesday to repair a core muscle injury.

Rondo’s injury occurred during New Orleans’ preseason game at Oklahoma City on Friday night.

The Pelicans say Rondo traveled after the injury to Philadelphia, where he was operated on by sports hernia specialist Dr. William Meyers.

The Pelicans acquired Rondo as a free agent this summer. He was expected to start in the back court alongside guard Jrue Holiday. New Orleans now must decide which of several other guards on the roster, including E’Twaun Moore, should slide into the starting backcourt while Rondo is out.

New Orleans opens its regular season in Memphis on Oct. 18.