Flyers deny claims of giving drugs sans doctor’s consent

The NHL has reached out to Robin Lehner to set up an interview after the goaltender made several accusations on social media, including that teams give players drugs without a doctor’s consent, a league spokesman confirmed to The Associated Press.

In a series of tweets Saturday, Lehner said he knows “many” teams that give sedatives and anxiety pills to players without a doctor’s prescription. He referenced the Philadelphia Flyers and coach Alain Vigneault and claimed to have proof.

In a statement Sunday, Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher denied the allegation.

“The health and well-being of our players is our top priority, and any care provided to them comes from the team’s health care professionals, not the coaching staff,” Fletcher said. “We have no reason to believe any of our players have received improper care.”

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly on Sunday morning said the league intended to speak with Lehner about his tweets. The league did not initially have plans to launch an independent investigation until the conversation with Lehner happens.

Lehner also accused the Buffalo Sabres of mismanaging an ankle injury when he played for them. His comments appeared to be related to the stalemate between Buffalo and now former captain Jack Eichel over how to treat a herniated disk.

The Sabres did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Lehner tweeted at the league and Players’ Association

that they know how to reach him.

The 30-year-old Swede who plays for Vegas said the Golden Knights do not give players those drugs without doctor’s orders. He implied he’s prepared to share more information from around the league.

Soccer

UNION WINS » Jack Elliott scored in the first half and Alejandro Bedoya connected early in the second to help the Philadelphia Union beat the Columbus Crew 3-0 on Sunday at Chester.

Leon Flach sealed it for the Union (11-7-9) in the 89th with a left-footed shot from the middle of the box to the top left corner off a cross from Quinn Sullivan.

Philadelphia managed to overcome a second-half red card to Kai Wagner to beat defending champ Columbus (9-12-7).

NBA WIGGINS GETS COVID-19 VACCINE »

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has received his COVID-19 vaccine and will be eligible to play in all games.

The Warriors said coach Steve Kerr made the announcement to reporters Sunday after practice before the team traveled to Portland to play its first preseason game.

Wiggins faced the possibility of not being allowed into Golden State’s home building at Chase Center for games starting Oct. 13 when the San Francisco Department of Public Health begins requiring proof of vaccination for large indoor events.

Golf BURNS WINS »

Sam Burns ran off four birdies in a six-hole stretch to start the back nine and pulled away for a 5-under 67 to win the Sanderson Farms Championship on Sunday at Jackson, Miss., for his second PGA Tour victory this year.

Burns finished at 222-under 266 tp beat Nick Watney (65) and Cameron Young (68) by one shot. BOUTIER RALLIES FOR VICTORY » Celine Boutier birdied two of her last three holes for an 8-under 63 and won the ShopRite LPGA Classic on Sunday at Galloway, N.J., when South Korea’s best two players faltered down the stretch.

Starting the final round five shots behind, Boutier ran off six birdies on the front nine.

The 27-year-old holed a 12-foot birdie putt on No. 16 and then birdied the par-5 18th from 5 feet to set the target at 14-under 199.

Brooke Henderson (64), Jin Young Ko (69) and Inbee Park (69) tied for second, one stroke back.

Obituary

FORMER NASCAR DRIVER KILLED IN SHOOTING » A former NASCAR driver was killed Saturday in a shooting in Georgia that also wounded a woman, investigators said.

John Wes Townley, 31, died in the shooting around 9 p.m., AthensClarke County Coroner Sonny Wilson told the Athens Banner-Herald.

Police have spoken to the shooter, who knew the victims. The shooting appeared to be domestic violence related, AthensClarke County Police Lt. Shaun Barnett said.

Townley raced eight seasons and made 186 starts across the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series.