T.O. a no-go for induction
Terrell Owens always likes being the center of attention. His decision to skip the induction ceremony for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August will keep him far from the spotlight.
Owens was voted into the hall in February after being denied in his first two years of eligibility. His announcement yesterday is unprecedented by an enshrinee.
“Hopefully, the story this summer will remain about those that will be there instead of the one that will not,” said Howard Balzer of SiriusXM Radio, a 15-year voter for the Hall of Fame.
In a statement released by his publicist, Owens said: “While I am incredibly appreciative of this opportunity, I have made the decision to publicly decline my invitation to attend the induction ceremony in Canton.
“After visiting Canton earlier this year, I came to the realization that I wish to celebrate what will be one of the most memorable days of my life, elsewhere,” Owens added. “At a later date, I will announce where and when I will celebrate my induction.”
The hall confirmed that the former All-Pro receiver informed them he would not be on hand Aug. 4 for the enshrinements.
“We are disappointed but will respect Terrell’s decision not to participate in the enshrinement,” Hall of Fame President & CEO David Baker said.
“While unprecedented, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the nearly 5,000 volunteers and the entire community are committed to celebrating the excellence of the Class of 2018 that will kick off the NFL’s 99th season.
“As we do not want to detract from this great honor being enjoyed by the seven other members of the class of 2018 — Bobby Beathard, Robert Brazile, Brian Dawkins, Jerry Kramer, Ray Lewis, Randy Moss and Brian Urlacher — their family, friends, and fans, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will have no further comment on the decision made by Terrell Owens.” …
Running back Duke Johnson reached agreement with the Cleveland Browns on a three-year, $15.6 million contract extension.
Johnson was Cleveland’s top playmaker last season when the club went 0-16. The 2015 draft pick from Miami led the Browns with 74 catches and 693 yards receiving. He also rushed for 348 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Names: Big Baby charged
Los Angeles County prosecutors say former Celtic Glen Davis has been charged with attacking a man outside a club in West Hollywood.
The district attorney’s office said that Davis faces a felony assault charge.
The player, known by the nickname “Big Baby,” is accused of throwing the victim into a wall during an altercation outside a club on April 8. …
A Texas grand jury declined to indict two Baylor football players in an alleged sexual assault.
Baylor coach Matt Rhule said in March that John Arthur and Tre’von Lewis had been suspended from the team. McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna announced Wednesday that a grand jury determined there wasn’t enough evidence to proceed to trial for either player for a reported November 2017 assault. …
Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe beat Dan Martin in a sprint to win the fourth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine as the race reached the mountains in Lans-en-Vercors, France.
Gianni Moscon overtook teammate and previous leader Michal Kwiatkowski as Team Sky retained the first three spots overall.
Soccer: Referee resigns
A World Cup assistant referee resigned from duty after being caught taking a $600 cash payment in an undercover television sting.
Aden Range Marwa of Kenya told FIFA he would not go to Russia, the world soccer body said. …
Ghana risks being suspended from the 2026 World Cup hosting vote by FIFA after its government said it would disband the national soccer federation amid corruption allegations.
Ghana has been expected to vote for Morocco next Wednesday against the joint bid of the United States, Canada and Mexico. …
With Cristiano Ronaldo back in action, Portugal cruised to a 3-0 win over visiting Algeria in its final warm-up match before traveling to Russia for the World Cup. …
Marcus Rashford scored from long range as England beat Costa Rica, 2-0, in its final World Cup warm-up match in Leeds.