NEWSMAKERS
FIFA voters can back World Cup bid publicly
A ban on voters publicly endorsing a 2026 World Cup bid has been lifted by FIFA in the face of criticism from soccer officials. The governing body last month ordered officials not to openly discuss the merits of either the joint Northern American bid, featuring the U.S., Canada and Mexico, or the rival Morocco contender. It led to Confederation of African Football president Ahmad, who goes by just one name, expressing frustration at being restricted from backing his continent’s bid. FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura said members can support a bid so long as it’s ethical and contains “no statements against the competitive bidder or requests for bloc voting.” FIFA’s 211 nation members vote June 13 for the 2026 host.
Sabres’ Kane expects trade before deadline
Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane says he fully expects to be dealt before the NHL’s trade deadline hits Monday. Kane says he’s been preparing to be dealt all season long. The only question is when the trade will take place and where he’ll be headed. Kane is in the final year of his contract and not considered a long-term fit for the last-place Eastern Conference team. Kane’s 19 goals rank second for Buffalo. He has scored 20 or more in each of his previous two years since being acquired by the Sabres from Winnipeg in 2015. The 26-yearold was selected fourth overall by the then-Atlanta Thrashers in the 2009 draft.
Louisville should look at legal action: Pitino
Former Louisville coach Rick Pitino believes the school should consider taking legal action against the NCAA after the governing body ordered the vacation of the Cardinals’ 2013 men’s basketball championship as part of sanctions for a sex scandal. The NCAA vacated 123 of the school’s victories and ordered the return of about US$600,000 in conference revenue from the 2012-15 NCAA Tournaments. The school later removed banners of the 2013 championship and 2012 Final Four appearance. Pitino said Wednesday the NCAA’s decision was unfair. Pitino said Louisville’s board of trustees should consider legal action “because the players deserve it.”
Rasmus signs with O’s after baseball hiatus
Outfielder Colby Rasmus has decided to return to baseball after walking away last summer. The ex-Toronto Blue Jay has signed a minor-league contract with Baltimore. The 31-year-old Rasmus was with Tampa Bay in mid-July when the Rays said he was going to “step away from baseball.” Neither the team nor Rasmus of- fered an explanation, though he had been slowed by hip trouble. Rasmus was hitting .281 with nine home runs and 23 RBIs in 37 games for the Rays when he left. He has hit 165 home runs and batted .242 in nine seasons with St. Louis, Toronto, Houston and Tampa Bay.
Astros prospect gets 50 games for doping
Houston Astros minor-league pitcher Forrest Whitley has been suspended 50 games without pay for a violation of baseball’s minor-league drug prevention and treatment program. Whitley, who is considered one of Houston’s top prospects, is on the roster for double-A Corpus Christi. The 20-year-old Whitley was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2016 amateur player draft by the Astros. The righthander played at three minorleague levels last season.
Pirates sign Saunders to minor-league deal
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Canadian free agent outfielder Michael Saunders to a minor-league contract and invited him to major-league spring training. The 31-year-old Saunders hit a combined .202 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 73 games for Philadelphia and Toronto last season. Saunders was an AL all-star in 2016 with the Blue Jays. He is a career .232 hitter with 81 home runs and 263 RBIs in 775 games with Seattle, the Phillies and Blue Jays.