Wawrinka won’t defend U.S. Open title

Stan Wawrinka chose long-term health over a U.S. Open title defense. The defending champion pulled out of the tournament Friday because of an injured knee, saying he decided to undergo a “medical intervention” and sit out the rest of 2017. He did not provide any specifics about the injury or treatment.

“This was the only solution to make sure I will be able to compete at the top level for many more years,” Wawrinka said in a statement.

The season’s final major begins Aug. 28. The fourth-ranked Wawrinka was eliminated by Daniil Medvedev in the first round at Wimbledon last month. The 32-year-old Swiss was clearly bothered by his left knee then.

Ryan Tannehill has again been demoted to the role of spectator, perhaps for the entire season. Knee surgery is an option for the Miami Dolphins quarterback, although it’s hoped that can be avoided, coach Adam Gase said. Tannehill is expected to be sidelined at least six weeks.

Manny Pacquiao has advised his promoter, Bob Arum, that he will participate in a rematch later this year against Australia’s Jeff Horn.

Horn defeated Pacquiao by a controversial unanimous decision July 1 in Brisbane, Australia, and the rematch is expected to land in Australia too.

— Lance Pugmire

The Lakers have signed guard Vander Blue.

UCLA will play Notre Dame in a home-and-home men’s basketball series starting in December 2018. The Bruins will host the Fighting Irish on Dec. 8, 2018, in the schools’ first meeting since December 2009. They will travel to South Bend, Ind., in December 2019.