Falcons release Baker
The Atlanta Falcons released veteran offensive tackle Sam Baker, the former USC star.
Baker started 61 of his 70 career games, but injuries have hindered his progress. He missed last season after tearing his right patellar tendon during a preseason game, has undergone three back surgeries and even lost his starting job during the 2011 season.
After starting all 16 games in 2012, when the Falcons won the NFC South and reached the NFC championship game, Baker was re-signed to a sixyear, $41.5 million deal.
The Montreal Alouettes suspended defensive end Michael Sam, a move that frees a roster spot while allowing the Alouettes to retain Sam’s Canadian Football League rights. Sam left the Alouettes’ training camp for personal reasons last week after being given special permission to return home to Texas. His departure came three weeks after he became the first openly gay player to sign in the CFL.
After dealing with anxiety issues, former top-10 player Mardy Fish is going to give professional tennis another try. And this time, he’s bringing pal Andy Roddick along with him.
Roddick, who retired in 2012, and Fish will play doubles together next month at the BB&T Atlanta Open, where Fish is also going to attempt his latest comeback in singles.
Fish has played just one competitive match since August 2013.
Roger Federer got away with a close call in the opening round of his favorite Wimbledon tune-up event, beating Philipp Kohlschreiber, 7-6 (8), 3-6, 7-6 (5), at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany.
Richard Gasquet earned his 400th ATP tour victory by beating Italian qualifier Simone Bolelli, 6-1, 6-2, to reach the second round at Queen’s Club in London.
Arturo Vidal scored two goals and set up another, but host Chile was held to a 3-3 draw by Mexico in a thrilling Copa America match in Santiago. Striker Vicente Vuoso scored twice for Mexico, including the 66th-minute equalizer that frustrated the home crowd.
Bolivia scored three unanswered first-half goals and held on for a 3-2 victory over Ecuador in Group A of the Copa America in Valparaiso, Chile.