Sarver, Suns deny claims of misconduct
The Phoenix Suns issued a preemptive denial to accusations of misconduct, including discrimination, by team owner Robert Sarver before Friday’s game.
“We understand that ESPN is considering publishing a proposed story that makes completely baseless claims against the Suns Legacy Partners, LLC organization,” the statement read.
Sarver said any accusations of discrimination were untrue. General manager James Jones issued a statement saying “None of what’s been said describes the Robert Sarver I know, respect and like.”
— Dan Woike
ETC. Another blow to Conference USA
Southern Mississippi accepted an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference, according to reports, dealing another blow to Conference USA, which already had six members announce their departures this week.
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy agreed to a perpetual five-year pact at his alma mater . ... Sixthranked Louisville and women’s basketball coach Jeff Walz agreed to an extension through 2028.
Jimmy Garoppolo will start at quarterback Sunday for the San Francisco 49ers, but backup Trey Lance (knee) will miss the game . ... Baltimore running back Latavius Murray and receiver Sammy Watkins were ruled out of Sunday’s game against Cincinnati . ... The New York Giants will again be without star running back Saquon Barkley (knee) and receivers Kenny Golladay (ankle) and Kadarius Toney (ankle), but wideout Darius Slayton is expected to return from a hamstring injury . ... Chicago placed tight end Jimmy Graham on the reserve/ COVID-19 list . ... Tennessee left tackle Taylor Lewan (concussion) will not play Sunday against Kansas City. ... Atlanta defensive end Dante Fowler was put on injured reserve.
Ducks forward Max Jones will have surgery to repair a pectoralis major tendon tear and is expected to be out four to six months . ... Emily Clark scored twice, including the go-ahead goal 5:05 into the third period, and Canada beat the United States 3-1 in Game 1 of a preOlympic Rivalry Series.
Ben Simmons sat out the Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener for personal reasons and the franchise does not know when the three-time All-Star will return . ... Bradley Beal (sore hip) sat out Washington’s home opener.
Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama shot a two-under 68 for a onestroke lead after two rounds of the PGA Tour’s Zozo Championship . ... Steven Alker shot a nine-under 63 to take the first-round lead in the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the first of three PGA Tour Champions playoff events . ... Hee Jeong Lim shot a six-under 66 and first-round leader Na Rin An a 69 to tie for the lead after two rounds of the BMW Ladies Championship.
World No. 1 Ash Barty won’t defend her seasonending WTA Finals title and is done for the year because of COVID-19 travel and quarantine restrictions.
U.S. rowing coach Mike Teti, criticized by some former athletes as being abusive and using intimidation, resigned but accepted a position leading a new highperformance training club.
Zhang Boheng edged Olympic champion Daiki Hashimoto to win the gold medal in the men’s allaround at the gymnastics world championships.