Super League plans are halted
The Super League collapsed before a ball was kicked in the European breakaway soccer competition after being abandoned by the six English clubs, leaving the Spanish and Italian participants stranded.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham throughout Tuesday evening deserted the proposal to launch a largely closed midweek competition amid an escalating backlash from their supporters and warnings from the British government that legislation could be introduced to thwart it.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed longtime coach Mike Tomlin to a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2024 season . ... Dallas Cowboys cornerback Rashard Robinson was suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancers . ... The Rams signed punter Corey Bojorquez, who played the last three seasons for the Buffalo Bills.
Youngstown State football was placed on probation for two years and hit with recruiting sanctions by the NCAA after the school and the association agreed several rules violations were committed under former coach Bo Pelini . ... Texas El Paso football coach Dana Dimel and former softball coach Tobin Echo-Hawk received one-year show-cause restrictions and the athletic department was placed on a year’s probation over NCAA violations in both programs.
James Harden has had a setback with his hamstring injury and will be sidelined “indefinitely,” the Brooklyn Nets announced . ... The Denver Nuggets bolstered their injury-depleted backcourt by signing veteran guard Austin Rivers to a 10day contract . ... The Oklahoma City Thunder said that Chesapeake Energy Corp. has terminated its arena naming rights agreement. The move was effective immediately, though the team said the name will remain until a new partner is found.
San Diego Padres lefthander Adrian Morejon needs Tommy John surgery, the team said . ... Infielder Neil Walker announced his retirement at age 35 after 12 seasons. Walker hit .231 with no homers and three RBIs in 18 games with Philadelphia this year.
The Arkansas Racing Commission overturned penalties on two medication violations against Bob Baffert involving two horses from last year’s Arkansas Derby day. The horses’ wins will be reinstated, and Baffert will not serve a suspension. Baffert will be fined $5,000 for each positive for the drug lidocaine. — John Cherwa
Colorado Avalanche star right winger Mikko Rantanen was added to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol absence list . ... Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will be out at least a week because of concussion protocols.
Fifth-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut defeated fellow Spaniard Pablo Andujar 6-4, 6-0 to advance to the round of 16 in the Barcelona Open . ... Petra Kvitova opened her delayed title defense at the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany, with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady.