INDy 500 to host laRGest spoRts eveNt DURiNG paNDemic
The Indianapolis 500 is set to be the largest sporting event in the world since the start of the pandemic with 135,000 spectators permitted to attend “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” next month. Indianapolis Motor Speedway said Wednesday it worked with the Marion County Public Health Department to determine that 40% of venue capacity can attend the May 30 race on Memorial Day weekend. The speedway is the largest sporting facility in the world with more than 250,000 grandstand seats and the ability to host close to 400,000 on race day throughout the entire property.
Super League backer says breakaway competition is on standby.
MADRID» The Super League is far from dead and its clubs have not given up on the idea of the breakaway competition despite having to shelve the project just a few days after it was announced, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez said on Thursday. Pérez, who would have been the new league’s founding chairman, said the clubs behind the Super League will continue working on a way to make the competition work, even if changes have to be made to its format.
NFL eliminates preseason OTs, defeats onside kick proposal. NFL owners on Wednesday approved eliminating overtime in preseason games and expanded selection of jersey numbers for receivers, running backs and defensive backs. The league also will allow on-field officials to get certain “objective information” from the replay official and designated members of the officiating department “when clear and obvious video evidence is present.”
Aldon Smith booked in Louisiana battery case. Aldon Smith has turned himself in to authorities in Louisiana after an arrest warrant had been issued for the Seattle Seahawks defensive end.
The St. Bernard Parish sheriff’s department said Smith was booked on a second degree battery charge Tuesday night. Officials said Smith was released on $25,000 bond.
Smith is scheduled to be arraigned on July 14.
Pacers’ Sampson gets 1-game suspension for headbutting Mills. The already short-handed Indiana Pacers will play Oklahoma City on Wednesday night without forward JaKarr Sampson after the
NBA announced he would serve a one-game suspension following his ejection during Monday’s loss to San Antonio. Sampson received a flagrant two foul and automatic ejection early in the fourth quarter against the Spurs. The incident began as Sampson and San Antonio guard Patty Mills fought for a rebound, resulting in a shoving match. Sampson then confronted Mills and headbutted him.
Lakers’ Anthony Davis feels ready for return. When Anthony Davis’ right leg became too painful to play on two months ago, the big man and the Los Angeles Lakers decided he wouldn’t return until he was completely ready to be himself again. More than two months later, Davis is confident that time has arrived. Davis intends to play Thursday night when the Lakers open a fourgame road trip at Dallas.
Women’s world hockey championships in Canada postponed. The International Ice Hockey Federation is scrambling to reschedule the women’s world hockey championships after health officials in Nova Scotia, Canada, on Wednesday scrapped plans to hold the tournament next month because of COVID-19 concerns.
Florida’s Johnson awaits medical clearance, hopes to play. FLA.» Florida’s Keyontae Johnson is “patiently waiting” on medical clearance while hoping to play next season. Johnson, a junior forward who collapsed on the court in December and spent 10 days in hospitals, added Wednesday that he has decided not to enter the NBA draft.