Auto Racing
Retirement will give Tony Stewart freedom he seeks
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR has never been Tony Stewart’s love. It’s always been his job.
The sideshow that accompanies the 38 races a year? A nuisance.
So it should be no surprise that Stewart is scheduled Wednesday to announce his retirement from Sprint Cup racing at the end of the 2016 season. He will detail his decision to get out of the car, according to a person familiar with Stewart’s plans who spoke on condition of anonymity because the three-time NASCAR champion has not publicly discussed his retirement.
NBA
Kobe not thinking about retirement in 20th year
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Kobe Bryant hasn’t decided whether his 20th season with the Los Angeles Lakers will be his last.
He has thought about it extensively, even consulting with Derek Jeter about the best way to know when to hang it up.
But Bryant won’t be sparing many thoughts for retirement this fall while he attempts to lift the Lakers back from the worst season in franchise history.
Bryant reported to his 20th training camp Monday with the Lakers, joining veterans including Metta World Peace and Roy Hibbert playing alongside with a talented group of untested young players.
Bryant’s last three seasons ended early due to injuries, and he has played just 41 games in the past two years.
NFL
Panthers acquire star DE Allen in trade with Bears
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers acquired veteran defensive end Jared Allen from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a future late-round draft pick.
The Panthers felt the move was necessitated after their top pass rusher Charles Johnson went down with a hamstring injury in Sunday’s 27-22 win over the New Orleans Saints.
Allen has 134 career sacks during his 12 seasons, but his sack production has slowed since joining the Chicago Bears and their 3-4 defense last season. He’ll play in a more familiar 4-3 scheme with Carolina.
Roethlisberger out for now, but he should make return
PITTSBURGH – Ben Roethlisberger’s season doesn’t appear to be over. Still, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have to move forward indefinitely without their star quarterback.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Monday Roethlisberger has a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee, and there is no timetable for his return. Michael Vick will start Thursday night when the Steelers (2-1) host winless Baltimore (0-3).
Roethlisberger left in the third quarter of Sunday’s 12-6 win over St. Louis after the knee bent awkwardly while getting sacked by Rams safety Mark Barron. An MRI taken late Sunday night revealed no major damage, leaving the door open for Roethlisberger to return at some point.
Vick completed 5-of-6 passes for 38 yards after Roethlisberger’s departure.
NHL
Las Vegas, Quebec City set to take step in expansion
Las Vegas and Quebec City have moved a step closer in their bids to land a NHL franchise.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly says groups from both cities are scheduled to make presentations to the league’s executive committee in New York on Tuesday.
Daly says the executive committee will then report to the NHL Board of Governors, though there is no defined timeline to make any decisions.
A Bill Foley-led group and Montreal-based communications giant Quebecor are in the third and final stage of a process to potentially bring the world’s top hockey league to Las Vegas and Quebec City, respectively.
Associated Press
