SPORTS SHORTS

NFL: Cam in gender flap

Cam Newton “expressed regret” for his response to a female reporter’s question at a news conference Wednesday, a team spokesman said. When Charlotte Observer reporter

Jourdan Rodrigue asked Newton about wide receiver Devin Funch

ess’ route running, the former league MVP smiled and said, “it’s funny to hear a female talk about routes. It’s funny.” After Newton’s comments, the quarterback proceeded to answer Rodrigue’s question. Carolina spokesman Steven Drum

mond said in a statement to the Associated Press that Newton had a conversation with Rodrigue after the news conference ended and expressed regret for his remarks. Rodrigue, however, released a statement through The Charlotte Observer via email saying Newton did not apologize when they spoke after the news conference.

After missing all of the Colts’ offseason workouts, all of training camp, all of the preseason and the first four regular-season games, quarterback

Andrew Luck made his long-awaited appearance on the practice field, albeit with limited work. Luck already has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the 49ers. Packers receiver Davante Adams returned to practice after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet hit last Thursday from Bears linebacker

Danny Trevathan that led to the receiver being carted off the field.

Titans coach Mike Mularkey said quarterback Marcus Mariota’s status is still unclear for Sunday’s matchup with the Dolphins as he deals with a strained hamstring.

NHL: Jagr signs with Flames

Jaromir Jagr, at age 45, agreed to a one-year deal with the Flames for his 24th NHL season — and first with a Canadian team.

In Pittsburgh, Alex Pietrangelo beat Matt Murray 1:15 into overtime to give the Blues a 5-4 victory over the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins in the season opener for both teams.

WNBA: Lynx capture title

Sylvia Fowles had 17 points and broke her own WNBA Finals record by grabbing 20 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Lynx to their fourth championship in seven years with an 85-76 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 5.

Candace Parker had 19 points, 15 rebounds and five assists for the Sparks, who were looking to become the first repeat champions in 15 years.

ETC.: Morgan apologizes

U.S. women’s national soccer team star Alex Morgan has apologized on social media for an incident at Disney World over the weekend in which she and two other soccer players were kicked out of an EPCOT park restaurant on Sunday. Authorities said the players were verbally aggressive with park security and other guests.

Justin Thomas, who won his first major at the PGA Championship and captured the FedEx Cup was voted the PGA Tour player of the year.

Prince Fielder was released by the Rangers, more than 15 months after his last game and still owed about $72 million over the next three seasons.