The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Heisman winner to attend NFL Draft
Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith of Alabama is scheduled to appear in person in Cleveland at the NFL draft later this month.
Smith, the wide receiver projected to be a high first-round pick, is among a group of players who have accepted their invitations to attend the draft, which will be held April 29 to May 1.
Smith won’t be the only member of the national champions in attendance. Quarterback Mac Jones, defensive lineman Christian Barmore and cornerback Patrick Surtain II will be there as well.
Also attending the festivities will be wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who won the national title with LSU in 2019 before opting out of the 2020 season; North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance; Florida tight end Kyle Pitts; Miami edge rusher Gregory Rousseau; Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons; and Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley.
WATSON LOSES ENDORSEMENT »
Nike has suspended its endorsement contract with Deshaun Watson amid allegations of sexual assault and harassment against the Texans quarterback. “We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and have suspended Deshaun Watson,” Nike said.
BENGALS CUT RB » The Bengals continued to part with veterans when they released running back Giovani Bernard. Bernard, a fan favorite who had a year left on a two-year contract that would have paid him $4.1 million in 2021, played his entire eight-year NFL career in Cincinnati.
College basketball NBA DRAFT ENTRIES »
Tennessee freshman guard Keon Johnson says he’s declaring for the NBA draft and will sign with an agent, becoming the Vols’ second freshman to leave after one season . ... Syracuse forward Marek Dolezaj is not returning to the Orange for a final season and will seek to play professionally.
Olympics CHINA TO U.S.: DON’T BOYCOTT »
China’s government warned Washington not to boycott next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing after the Biden administration said it was talking with allies about a joint approach to complaints of human rights abuses. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected accusations of abuses against ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region. He warned of an unspecified “robust Chinese response” to a potential Olympics boycott.