SPORTS HEADLINES

WNBA commissioner says league will continue discussing issue of transgender participation

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has sent a memo to teams that addresses ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in women’s basketball. The memo says the topic will be discussed further by a task force of team presidents and general managers at a previously scheduled meeting next week. In an ESPN article published last month, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports. Cunningham’s comments sparked small rallies and protests at games in Seattle and Portland.

Roger Craig reveals he has vascular dementia during his Pro Football Hall of Fame speech

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a prerecorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Nearly eight minutes into a nine-minute speech, Craig announced his diagnosis. He says his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career.

College sports bill doesn’t get vote, but does get spot on the Senate’s September calendar

The Protect College Sports Act failed to reach a vote during an all-night, pre-recess session in the Senate, though the bill did gain a spot on next month’s calendar after the chamber comes back from its summer break. The measure has been touted as one that would put guardrails around an escalating spending spree in college sports as the industry struggles to adapt to a new model in which teams can pay players. It has been on a roller-coaster since its introduction in March. The SEC and Big Ten backing of the bill saved it but failed to sway a few key Senators from states with schools in that conference.

Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, dies at 68

ROSARIO, Argentina (AP) — Jorge Messi, the father of soccer star and Argentina captain Lionel Messi. has died. He was 68. Messi died Saturday at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario, according to the Rosario-based Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys. Jorge Messi was a chemical technician and worked as a steelworker. He played soccer as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys but had to abandon the sport to complete his mandatory military service in Argentina. He played a fundamental role in his third son’s career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs.

Raiders suspend Kirk Cousins and Maxx Crosby from team drills after practice fight

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby were suspended from team drills Saturday after a fight during practice the day before. Coach Klint Kubiak says the team has addressed the issue and is moving on. Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza got his first chance to run the starting offense. Mendoza showed promise by throwing three touchdown passes but also had some misfires. The Raiders are preparing for their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday. Kubiak hasn’t announced how the quarterbacks will be used.

The mighty Dodgers are reeling following a 7th straight loss in heartbreaking fashion

PHOENIX (AP) — The two-time defending World Series champions are in a rare funk. The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their season-high seventh game in a row in a stunning collapse on Friday night after the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied for a 4-3 win when rookie Ryan Waldschmidt hit a two-run, walk-off homer against closer Edwin Diaz. It was another rough outing for Diaz, who has an 11.00 ERA over 11 outings this season. The 32-year-old is a three-time All-Star, but hasn’t been able to help the Dodgers much after signing a $69 million, three-year deal during the offseason. The Dodgers still have a 7 1/2-game lead in the NL West.

Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson says his 14th season will ‘probably’ be his last

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson says his 14th season will “probably” be his last. Johnson missed four days of training camp this week for personal reasons before he returned Friday. Johnson took a leave of absence during the 2021 season as he battled anxiety and depression and has since shared his story at mental health clinics in the area. He said Saturday his latest leave had more to do with family issues, specifically taking care of his parents. He says his priorities have shifted toward life outside football.

High divers take the plunge in the Seine in a new test of Paris’ reclaimed river

PARIS (AP) — Paris is hosting its first high-diving competition in the Seine, with athletes diving from a 20-meter platform near the Eiffel Tower. This event is part of the city’s effort to reclaim the river for sports. Training was suspended Thursday due to hydrocarbon traces upstream, but resumed Friday after treatment. The high diving concludes Saturday, while the European Aquatics Championships continue through Aug. 16. Paris has invested heavily to make the Seine safe for swimming, aiming to transform it into a place for recreation. This marks a significant shift from its past association with commerce and pollution.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid hints Patrick Mahomes may sit out entire Chiefs preseason after knee surgery

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid says quarterback Patrick Mahomes is unlikely to play in their preseason opener against the Rams next week. Mahomes, who had knee surgery in December, might skip the entire exhibition slate even though he’s been ahead of schedule in rehab and cleared for unrestricted practice. Reid suggests Mahomes doesn’t need the preseason work but might play a few snaps against Tampa Bay. The Chiefs have other quarterbacks needing experience, including Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier. Several players are dealing with minor injuries, but Reid downplays their severity. The team continues to prepare with practices this weekend.

Memphis forward Brandon Clarke died from effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities say

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities have determined that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner on Friday said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental. Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press after the team announced Clarke’s passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

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