STORM STAR BIRD SAYS 2022 TO BE HER FINALE

Always in control on the court, Sue Bird lasted about 10 minutes until the emotion of the moment and the finality of the decision got the best of her.

After 21 professional seasons, one of the greatest basketball careers ever is nearing its end.

“I feel like I’ve played as long as I can at a really high level both physically and mentally, and it’s just gotten harder,” Bird said, fighting through tears.

The Seattle Storm star and fivetime Olympic gold medalist announced Thursday the 2022 season will be her last playing in the WNBA.

The announcement by Bird, 41, ended any speculation about her future; she had acknowledged in February when she re-signed with Seattle that this would likely be her final season. She strongly considered retirement after last season before choosing to return for a 19th season as a player.

Bird’s announcement came a day before Seattle’s game at Connecticut, the state where she was a collegiate star and national player of the year. The Storm will close out their road trip on Sunday in New York, about 30 miles from where Bird grew up in Syosset, N.Y.

It’s Seattle’s only scheduled trip to New York this season, which helped prompt her announcement.

Bird is a four-time WNBA champion, 12-time All-Star and the oldest player in the league. She has spent her entire WNBA career with Seattle since becoming the No. 1 draft pick in 2002 following her storied college career at UConn. This season is her 21st associated with the franchise although just her 19th playing after missing two seasons because of injuries.

Golf

Jennifer Kupcho shot a 9-under 63 at windy Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Mich., to take the firstround lead in the LPGA Meijer Classic. Kupcho eagled the par-5 14th and had seven birdies in the bogey-free round. Gerina Mendoza was second. She closed birdie-eagle. Lexi Thompson, the 2015 winner, was another stroke back at 65 with Swedes Anna Nordqvist and Madelene Sagstrom. Andrea Lee shot 66. Defending champion Nelly Korda opened with a 67. She’s making her second start since returning from a four-month break because of a blood clot in her left arm.

NFL

Lamar Jackson indicated he’s had recent discussions with the Baltimore Ravens about his contract. That’s about all he was willing to say about it when he spoke to reporters for the first time since joining the Ravens for mandatory minicamp. Jackson is entering his fifth-year option season, so a possible extension has been a big topic during this offseason.

Colleges

The NCAA’s Division I transformation committee will recommend changes to transfer rules and the infractions process before the end of June. The committee wants to establish designated time periods when college athletes can declare their intent to transfer and be eligible immediately at a new school. The transfer windows would set set on a sportby-sport basis. The intent behind the change is to provide structure and clarity for athletes and coaches.

• Kansas will visit Kentucky and Baylor is set to host Arkansas in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge in men’s basketball next season. The leagues announced the 10 matchups set for next Jan. 28, a Saturday.

Tennis

Top-ranked Daniil Medvedev defeated Ilya Ivashka for the second time in a week by beating the Belarusian 7-6 (4), 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals at the Halle Open in Germany. Medvedev next faces seventh-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut, who beat qualifier Tallon Griekspoor in three sets. No. 8-seeded Karen Khachanov and Oscar Otte of Germany also advanced.

• Matteo Berrettini stayed on course for back-to-back grass-court titles by recovering from a set down to beat lucky loser Denis Kudla and reach the Queen’s Club quarterfinals. Berrettini won 3-6, 7-5 (5), 6-4 and will be one of just two seeded players in the quarterfinals.

Horse racing

Kyprios held on to win the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot as the Frankie Dettori-ridden Stradivarius came up short in his attempt to land the prestigious race for a record-tying fourth time. Kyprios and Mojo Star were neck-and-neck for the final 2 furlongs before the race favorite pulled just ahead and stayed on to win by a half length under jockey Ryan Moore.

Also

Russian basketball clubs have been suspended from the next season of the EuroLeague. EuroLeague organizers cited “air travel restrictions and prohibitions or other limitations to issuing visas to Russian residents” during the country’s war with Ukraine.