Djokovic hoping to play in U.S.
BELGRADE, Serbia — Novak Djokovic has asked American authorities for special permission to enter the United States to play tennis tournaments in California and Florida despite being unvaccinated against the coronavirus, the topranked Serb said Wednesday.
The Transportation Security Administration has said the requirement for foreign air travelers to be fully vaccinated against the disease would be in place at least until mid-april. The tournament in Indian Wells will be played from March 6-19 and the Miami Open is scheduled from March 20-April 2.
MLS eyeing Vegas, San Diego
NEW YORK — Major League Soccer hopes to pick a 30th team by the end of the year. “San Diego and Las Vegas are the most likely,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Wednesday during a kickoff event at the league’s new television studio built together with Apple TV. “The 30th team will come at some point soon,” Garber said. “We’d like to get that announced by the end of the year.” He mentioned Detroit; Phoenix; Sacramento, Calif; and Tampa, Fla., as other expansion possibilities.
Sporting K.C. commits to skipper
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Sporting Kansas City signed Peter Vermes to a five-year contract extension Wednesday that will keep its longtime manager with the Major League Soccer club through the 2028 season. Vermes, the fourth-winningest coach in MLS history, will begin his 15th season with the club when it faces the Portland Timbers on Saturday.
Titans’ new GM makes cuts
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon started clearing up some much-needed salary cap space Wednesday. The Titans announced they released three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan for a failed physical and also released veteran wide receiver Robert Woods and kicker Randy Bullock. They later released linebacker Zach Cunningham also for failing a physical.
Cards think young in defense hire
TEMPE, Ariz. — The NFL is a place where 20-somethings are usually playing on the field or just breaking into the coaching profession, with titles such as “quality control” as they try to slowly rise through the ranks of a professional staff. It’s safe to say Nick Rallis was a fast learner. New Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has added the 29-year-old Rallis as the team’s defensive coordinator, betting that his energy, talent and vision can negate a lack of experience.
Rugby strike threat averted
CARDIFF, Wales — The Six Nations rugby match between Wales and England on Saturday will go ahead after potential strike action from Welsh players over a contract dispute was averted.