MLB
Rodriguez admits to DEA his PED, steroid use
MIAMI – A lawyer for the University of Miami’s former pitching coach said Wednesday that Alex Rodriguez admitted to federal investigators he used steroids supplied by the owner of a now-closed South Florida clinic.
Attorney Frank Quintero Jr., who represents Lazaro “Laser” Collazo in his defense against charges of conspiracy to distribute performance-enhancing drugs, told The Associated Press that the New York Yankees third baseman confessed to steroids use, according to Drug Enforcement Administration documents provided by the government to defense lawyers.
The Miami Herald first reported Rodriguez’s admission Wednesday, saying he met with DEA agents Jan. 29 at the agency’s South Florida field office. Given a grant of immunity from prosecution, Rodriguez told investigators he did use banned substances between late 2010 and October 2012 supplied by Anthony Bosch, who owned the Biogenesis of America clinic in Coral Gables.
Dodgers hire A’s Zaidi as new general manager
OAKLAND, Calif. – The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to hire Oakland Athletics assistant general manager Farhan Zaidi as the club’s new general manager, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday night because the Dodgers hadn’t announced a deal with Zaidi, who just completed his 10th season in Oakland’s front office as one of general manager Billy Beane’s creative assistants and analysts. Zaidi now will work under new Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who joined the team last month from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Texas’ games, hits leader a special assistant to GM
ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas Rangers career hits leader Michael Young was appointed a special assistant to the general manager.
Young, 38, played the first 12 of his 13 major league seasons in Texas, and he is the team’s career leader with 1,823 games and 2,230 hits.
Soccer
Messi equals the record; Ronaldo wins a boot
AMSTERDAM – Lionel Messi equaled Raul Gonzalez’s Champions League scoring record of 71 goals Wednesday with his second strike for Barcelona against Ajax.
Messi notched his 70th and 71st goals in his 90th match in Europe’s top club competition. Former Real Madrid and Schalke striker Raul took 142 matches to reach his tally.
Messi’s record-equaling effort came a night after Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 70 Champions League goals, failed to find the net in Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Ronaldo picked up his third Golden Boot award Wednesday for scoring the most goals in Europe’s domestic leagues last season. Ronaldo shared the award with Luis Suarez, who also scored 31 goals.
Tennis
Federer, Murray, Bryans win ATP Tour awards
LONDON – Roger Federer, Andy Murray and the Bryan brothers are among the winners of the ATP World Tour Awards.
Federer was selected by his peers as winner of the Stefan Edberg sportsmanship award for a 10th time.
Murray received the Arthur Ashe humanitarian award for his involvement in fundraising exhibitions and campaigns.
Bob and Mike Bryan took the doubles award for a sixth consecutive year.
Also, 17-year-old Borna Coric of Croatia won the Star of Tomorrow award as the youngest player ranked in the top 100, Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain was selected the most improved player, and David Goffin of Belgium the comeback player of the year.
Associated Press
