Quick Hitters
EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano died Sunday at the age of 56, the team said.
The team announced Sparano’s death in a statement that did not provide a cause. Sparano had been the Vikings’ offensive line coach since 2016.
“Tony was a passionate and driven individual who cared deeply about his family, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in the statement. “Tony’s presence within the Vikings organization will be deeply missed.”
Sparano began his NFL coaching career in 1999 and had stints as a head coach with the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders.
He was the Dolphins’ head coach from 2008-11 and went 29-32. He went 11-5 and won the AFC East in his first season with Miami.
Sparano also spent time with the Browns, Redskins, Jaguars, Cowboys and 49ers.
Cort Nielsen wins Stage 15
CARCASSONNE, France — Magnus Cort Nielsen of Denmark sprinted away from two other challengers to win Stage 15 of the Tour de France on Sunday, while Geraint Thomas had no trouble holding the overall lead for a fourth consecutive day
The Astana rider claimed his first career win at the Tour after staying ahead of Ion Izagirre and Bauke Mollema in a sprint over the final 200 meters. Cort Nielsen finished the hilly 181.5-kilometer (112.7-mile) leg from Millau that ended in a long descent to Carcassonne in 4 hours, 25 minutes.
Weather suspends fourth round of Barbasol Championship
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — A thunderstorm has suspended the fourth round of the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship until Monday morning.
Sunday’s third stoppage of play at Champions Trace at Keene Trace Golf Club came with the four leaders — Hunter Mahan, Robert Streb Tom Lovelady and Troy Merritt at 18-under par — and four other contenders waiting to begin the round.
The tournament will resume at 7:30 a.m. on Monday. Lightning caused one delay, and play was stopped earlier in the afternoon to clear water that accumulated on the course following a morning of steady and sometimes-heavy rain.