LA28 chair asks to allow protests

The head organizer for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles has asked Olympic leaders for a rule change that would allow athletes to protest against racism either from the podium or at other times during the international competition.

Casey Wasserman, chairman of the LA28 organizing committee, made his request in a letter delivered to Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, in mid-June.

“Sport is not separate or clear of racism; it is a microcosm of our world where racism exists,” Wasserman wrote. “I urge you to allow and encourage athletes to advocate against racism anywhere they can, including on and off the field of play.” — David Wharton

Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic stood for the national anthem before his team played the Brooklyn Nets, becoming the first NBA player who did not kneel.

Isaac, an ordained minister who has a history of being active with charities and churches, wore his white Orlando jersey as the song played.

“Kneeling while wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt doesn’t go hand-in-hand with supporting Black lives,” Isaac said.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and assistant coach Becky Hammon also stood. Both wore “Black Lives Matter” T-shirts.

All-Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton won’t play for the Carolina Hurricanes in Saturday’s opener against the New York Rangers.

Hamilton has missed multiple practices, though the NHL has prohibited teams from disclosing whether a player is injured or ill amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick will be the new announcing team for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” according to a person familiar with the decision.

The U.S. Tennis Assn. said it “continues its plans” to hold the U.S. Open, scheduled to run Aug. 31 to Sept. 13.