Baffer’s appeal denied by judge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal judge denied Bob Baffert’s request to lift his twoyear suspension by Churchill Downs Inc., ruling Friday that the Hall of Fame trainer did not prove its discipline hurt his business and reputation.

Baffert will miss his second consecutive Kentucky Derby, and per a Churchill Downs rule, he has until Feb. 28 to transfer his Derby contenders to other trainers in order for them to possibly run in the May 6 race. Horses earn Derby qualifying points by finishing in the top five of designated races; any horse trained by Baffert after the February deadline is ineligible to earn points.

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NFL: Running back Aaron Jones has agreed to remain with the Green Bay Packers on a restructured deal with a reduced salary for the upcoming season. Drew Rosenhaus, Jones’ agent, said Jones will make $11 million in 2023 — including an $8.52 million signing bonus — rather than the $16 million he had been projected to make.

HOCKEY: In Amarillo, William Howard’s hat trick gave the New Mexico Ice Wolves a 3-1 win over the Amarillo Wranglers in North American Hockey League play. The Ice Wolves play again Saturday at Amarillo in game two of a ninegame road swing.

AUTO RACING: In Daytona Beach, Fla., Jimmie Johnson, making his return to stock car racing after a two-year dalliance in IndyCar, topped the first practice session for the Daytona 500 on Friday. The two-time Daytona 500 winner and seven-time Cup Series champion reached a top speed of 194.25 mph around the 2½-mile superspeedway.

BASKETBALL: International greats Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich are among the list of Class of 2023 finalists unveiled Friday by the Basketball Hall of Fame.