Ex-saints receiver Thomas entering diversion in case stemming from Nov. arrest

KENNER, LA.>> Former New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas has been accepted into a pretrial diversion program that could help him avoid trial in a case stemming from his arrest last fall. City of Kenner spokeswoman Valerie Brolin says “once all matters and requirements are satisfied, the case can be closed.”

The 31-year-old Thomas has been facing simple battery and criminal mischief charges following a confrontation with a construction worker near his home Nov. 10.

TENNIS

Murray beats Berrettini to advance at the Miami Open

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.>> Andy Murray won another lengthy match with Matteo Berrettini, who appeared weary and leaned on his racket to keep his balance during Murray’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory Wednesday at the Miami Open.

Playing his first match on the ATP Tour this season, Berrettini was serving with Murray leading 5-2 in the second set when he seemed to become dizzy, resting his racket on the court to hold himself up.

He was visited by a medical attendant, who checked his blood pressure before play continued. Berrettini left the court after dropping that set but was able to finish the match, which last 2 hours, 49 minutes.

SOCCER

Brazil court rules former star Robinho must serve 9-year prison term for rape

SAO PAULO>> A Brazilian high court has ruled that former soccer star Robinho must serve his nine-year prison sentence in his home nation as a result of his 2017 rape conviction in Italy. The 40-year-old Robinho can appeal to the Brazil’s Supreme Court.

Robinho was sentenced in Italy to nine years in prison for his part in a group sexual assault in 2013 when he played for AC Milan. Brazil doesn’t extradite nationals, which led Italy to seek his imprisonment in his home nation.

COLLEGE SPORTS

ACC sues Clemson a day after school sued league

CHARLOTTE, N.C.>> A day after Clemson sued the Atlantic Coast Conference, the ACC filed a lawsuit against the school in a North Carolina court.

The conference says the school is breaking its agreements with the league by challenging its exit fees and contract that binds members through their media rights. The ACC’S claim was filed in Mecklenburg County, the same court where it preemptively sued Florida State in December.

COMBAT SPORTS

UFC agrees to $335 million settlement with former fighters in antitrust case

LAS VEGAS>> UFC parent company TKO Group Holdings reached a $335 million settlement regarding two antitrust lawsuits brought by former fighters in the organization, according to TKO’S disclosure to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The payments will be paid out over time rather than in a lump sum and will be tax deductible.