NBA refs will be vaccinated

The NBA announced Saturday that it has struck a deal with the National Basketball Referees Association on that requirement. Part of the referees’ agreement with the NBA also says that those working games will receive booster shots once they become recommended.

“This agreement was a win-win,” the NBRA said in a statement. “It will support the NBA’s objective of creating a safer on-court environment and continuity of play while protecting the health and well-being of the referees.”

The NBA’s agreement with the referees was revealed one day after the league told its teams that anyone within close proximity — defined in most cases as being 15 feet — of players and referees will also have to be vaccinated.

Auto racing: Justin Haley used a late push from Daniel Hamric to edge Kaulig Racing teammate AJ Allmendinger and win the Xfinity Series race in Daytona, Fla.

College football: After being only one of two FBS programs not to play at all in the fall or spring, UConn returned to the field, falling 45-0 at Fresno State, 637 days after their last game. ... Zach Charbonnet rushed for 106 yards and three touchdowns in his UCLA debut as the Bruins rolled to a 44-10 victory over Hawaii at the Rose Bowl. ... Artur Sitkowski came off the bench to throw two touchdown passes as host Illinois defeated Nebraska 30-22 in Bret Bielema’s first game as Illini coach.

Golf: Bernhard Langer birdied the final hole for a 6-under 66 and a share of the second-round lead in The Ally Challenge in Grand Blanc, Mich. A day after shooting his age on his 64th birthday, Langer had six birdies in a bogeyfree round at Warwick Hills to match Doug Barron at 14-under 130.

Horse racing: Belmont Stakes winner Essential Quality won the $1.25 million Travers Stakes, holding off Midnight Bourbon in a stirring stretch duel at Saratoga Race Course for his eighth victory in nine career starts for trainer Brad Cox and Godolphin Stable.