Kings’ Pearson out for opener

Suspension for check to head will keep him from facing Sharks

Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Pearson has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season, including the season opener against the host Sharks on Oct. 12, for his check to the head of Edmonton defenseman Brandon Davidson.

Pearson also was suspended for the remainder of the preseason by the NHL on Wednesday.

Pearson got a match penalty and a game misconduct for the hit midway through the second period last Sunday during the game in Vernon, British Columbia.

Pearson loses $15,555.56 during his suspension.

The 24-year-old Pearson won a Stanley Cup ring with the Kings as a rookie in 2014. He had 36 points in 79 games last season. Pearson will also miss the Kings’ home opener against Philadelphia next week. He is eligible to return Oct. 18 at Minnesota.

Tennis

Maria Sharapova will return to the court for the first time since her doping ban was reduced when she makes her World Team Tennis Smash Hits debut next week in Las Vegas. Sharapova will play in the charity event, co-hosted by Billie Jean King and Elton John, on Monday at Caesars Palace. Proceeds go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

NBA

Former Cavaliers coach David Blatt has accepted a championship ring from the team despite being fired last season. Blatt was dismissed midway through his second season by Cleveland. The Cavs were 30-11 at the time he was replaced by assistant Tyronn Lue, who guided the Cavs to an historic comeback in the finals against the Warriors.

Blatt said he accepted the ring “because they presented it to me in a way that was very respectful.” He said the Cavs told him that he contributed to the championship.

Auto racing

Roger Penske went 1-23 in the IndyCar standings this year. He figured he could have done better.

Team Penske added Josef Newgarden to its roster, giving the organization the top four finishing drivers in this season’s IndyCar standings.

College football

South Carolina officials said the Gamecocks’ game against Georgia this weekend will be played in Columbia, although they acknowledged the date and time could change because of impending impact of Hurricane Matthew. The school said in a statement the “USC vs. UGA game will be played in Columbia.”

Officials said they are monitoring Matthew’s track and will most likely make a decision on any changes Thursday.