Gettleman goes on offense over Odell Beckham deal

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) >> After a week of being beaten up in the media over the trade of popular star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., general manager Dave Gettleman went on the offensive, saying the trade was in the best interests of the New York Giants and was a deal the organization could not refuse.

Gettleman didn’t stop there Monday, speaking for the first time since sending Beckham to the Cleveland Browns last week in return for first- and thirdround draft picks this year and safety Jabrill Peppers.

The executive also defended quarterback Eli Manning, saying the belief the 38-year-old two-time Super Bowl MVP can’t play well anymore is a “crock.” PARIS (AP) >> Sprinters and climbers will have a chance to shine at the start of next year’s Tour de France.

Race organizers have unveiled the details of the first two stages of the 2020 edition of cycling’s showcase event, which will start in the Mediterranean city of Nice.

The 170-kilometer opening stage consists of three laps on a circuit designed around Nice with a finish on the Promenade des Anglais that should favor sprinters. The profile of the second stage, which also finishes in Nice, is radically different with three difficult climbs, the Col de la Colmiane, Col de Turini and Col d’Eze.

The Riviera city, which hosts the final stage of the Paris-Nice race each year, previously held the Grand Depart in 1981.