Los Angeles to host 2028 Summer Olympics
Los Angeles reached an agreement Monday with international Olympic leaders that will open the way for the city to host the 2028 Summer Games, while ceding the 2024 Games to rival Paris, officials announced.
The deal would make LA a three-time Olympic city, after hosting the 1932 and 1984 Games.
With the agreement, the city is taking “a major step toward bringing the Games back to our city for the first time in a generation,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement.
He called it a “historic day for Los Angeles, for the United States” and the Olympic movement.
The agreement follows a vote earlier this month by the International Olympic Committee to seek an unusual deal to award the 2024 and 2028 Games simultaneously. Paris is the only city left to host the 2024 Games.
The Los Angeles City Council and U.S. Olympic Committee board of directors will consider the agreement for approval in August. If approved, the IOC, LA and Paris may enter a three-part agreement, clearing the way for the IOC to simultaneously award the 2024 Games to Paris, and the 2028 Games to LA. The IOC vote is scheduled for September, in Lima, Peru.
NFL
JAGUARS’ ALBERT SUDDENLY QUITS >> Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Branden Albert abruptly retired, ending his NFL career after nine seasons and two Pro Bowls.
Albert called it quits following three training camp practices and a brief discussion with coach Doug Marrone.
Albert is the fifth NFL player to retire in the past week, following New England defensive end Rob Ninkovich, Baltimore offensive lineman John Urschel, New England receiver Andrew Hawkins and Denver safety David Bruton Jr.
AJAYI SUFFERS POSSIBLE CONCUSSION IN PRACTICE >> Miami Dolphins coach Adam Gase decided to risk heavy contact by allowing tackling at practice, and the hitting was so fierce that running back Jay Ajayi suffered a possible concussion.
NHL
BEAULIEU, SABRES AGREE ON DEAL >> Newly acquired Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu has agreed to a two-year, $4.8 million deal in foregoing the opportunity to have his contract determined at an arbitration hearing.
JACKETS COACH TORTORELLA GETS ONE-YEAR CONTRACT >> John Tortorella of the Columbus Blue Jackets is getting a one-year contract extension following a season in which he was the NHL’s Coach of the Year.
Soccer
RONALDO DENIES AVOIDING TAXES >> Cristiano Ronaldo told a Spanish judge Monday that he has “never tried to avoid taxes.” The Real Madrid forward, who is from Portugal, was questioned to determine whether he committed tax fraud worth almost 15 million euros ($17.5 million). Ronaldo spent more than 90 minutes answering the questions of investigating judge Monica Gomez.
College football
UFC KICKER CHOOSES MONEY OVER FOOTBALL >> UCF kicker Donald De La Haye has made the decision to give up football rather than give up making advertising money off of videos on YouTube that he produced.
The university released a statement saying De La Haye did not accept the conditions of waiver received from the NCAA and has been ruled ineligible to compete.
Golf
MCILROY FIRES CADDY >> Rory McIlroy has fired his caddie and will use his best friend at the Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship, according to published reports.
Reuters cited a source it did not identify as saying McIlroy has parted ways with J.P. Fitzgerald. They have worked together for the past nine years, during which McIlroy has won four majors and reached No. 1 in the world.
The Telegraph reported that McIlroy’s caddie at the next two tournaments will be Harry Diamond.