Concussed Busch to miss part of ’23
Kurt Busch, still trying to work his way through the concussion he suffered three months ago and advised by doctors to get out of a race car, will not compete fulltime in 2023.
The NASCAR champion made his announcement Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his home track and where he launched his career on the bullring as a child. He choked up when he said doctors told him “it is best for me to shut it down.”
“I know I am not 100% in my ability to go out and race at the top level in the NASCAR Cup Series,” said Busch, 44. “My long-term health is priority No. 1 and I don’t feel committing at this point to compete for a championship next year is in my best interest or the best interest of the team.”
Tyler Reddick will replace Busch in the No. 45 Toyota at 23XI Racing next season.
Josh Berry became the first driver to take a spot in the Xfinity Series championship race, leading a 1-2-3 finish for JR Motorsports at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. ... Reddick won the pole at Las Vegas. Reddick, who said his Chevrolet was subpar in Saturday morning practice, rebounded for an electric lap at 184.603 mph to earn the top starting spot. Moses Brown (UCLA) to a two-way contract, a move that leaves their seasonopening roster with one roster spot available.
The team also signed and waived undrafted exTexas Tech wing Bryson Williams in a move to allocate him to their G League affiliate.
— Andrew Greif
Jordan Poole and the Golden State Warriors were finalizing a four-year, $140million extension, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said . ... Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor, the NBA said . ... Forward Andrew Wiggins signed a four-year contract extension with the Warriors, keeping a key starter for the defending champions around.
In New York, former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder knocked out Robert Helenius in the first round, getting a win after consecutive losses to Tyson Fury. … In Melbourne, Devin Haney remained the undisputed lightweight boxing champion after taking a decision over former titleholder George Kambosos Jr . ... American Claressa Shields avenged her only career defeat when she beat Savannah Marshall by unanimous decision in London and became the undisputed women’s world middleweight champion
In the first semifinal, Iga Swiatek rallied past Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 at the San Diego Open.
The NHL said it found no evidence to substantiate allegations posted on social media against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ian Cole and concluded its investigation. The league said it was unable to make contact with the anonymous source of the Oct. 7 social media post.