Dwight Clark: I’m battling ALS
San Francisco 49ers legendary wide receiver Dwight Clark announced Sunday night that he has ALS. In a blog post, Clark wrote that he began feeling “weakness” in his left hand back in September of 2015 and after months of tests was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. He believes that playing in the NFL for nine seasons caused his ALS. “I don’t know for sure. But I certainly suspect it did,” Clark wrote. “And I encourage the NFLPA and the NFL to continue working together in their efforts to make the game of foot- ball safer, especially as it relates to head trauma.” While Clark said the disease “seems to be progressing more slowly than in some patients,” it is already showing its effects on him. “I can’t run, play golf or walk any distances,” he wrote. “Picking up anything over 30 pounds is a chore.” — Nicholas Parco
NEW DEAL FOR BOEHEIM
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim has agreed to a new contract that will extend past next season. The extension of the Hall of Famer’s contract comes after headcoach-in-waiting Mike Hopkins was hired Sunday by Washington. Boeheim had planned to step down following the conclusion of next season.
RED BULLS FALL
Jordan Morris drew a penalty to set up the first goal, scored on a header in the 66th minute to give Seattle the lead and the host Sounders celebrated last year’s MLS Cup title with a 3-1 win over the Red Bulls. Bradley Wright-Phillips did pull New York even in the 57th minute with a header off
the inside of the far post.
LEISHMAN WINS
Marc Leishman of Australia holed a 50-foot eagle putt on the 16th hole to take the lead, and he stayed there with two tough pars to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando and earn a trip to the Masters.
Leishman’s pitch from 45 yards short of the 18th green rolled out to 3 feet, and he made the par putt for a 3-under 69 and an 11-under 277 total. Kevin Kisner had a three-shot lead at the turn, but he didn’t make a birdie over his final 11 holes and ended up one shot back after a 73.
Rory McIlroy made a late charge and tied for the lead with a wild birdie around a tree and over the water on the 16th hole, only to three-putt the final hole from 30 feet to finish two shots back, tied for fourth.