Cycling
Froome to defend title at Criterium du Dauphine
LONDON – Defending champion Chris Froome will put the finishing touches to his Tour de France preparation by competing at the Criterium du Dauphine this month.
The British rider, who also won the week-long race in France last year, will be surrounded by a team made of strong climbers, including last year’s Dauphine runner-up Richie Porte.
Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford said he will use the mountainous event from June 8-15 to pick his nine riders for the Tour in July.
He will also keep a close eye on his riders’ performances at the Tour de Suisse, where Bradley Wiggins will be competing from June 14-22 as part of his Tour preparations.
College Football
Saban cashes in once more with new contract extension
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama head coach Nick Saban will make nearly $7 million a year through 2022.
The vote by the Alabama system trustees’ compensation committee made Saban’s new deal official nearly seven months after the university announced the agreement.
The 62-year-old Saban will make $6.5 million in base pay and “talent fee” plus a $400,000 completion fee for each year.
Saban has led the Crimson Tide to three national championships in seven seasons.
NFL
Marino backs out of joining players’ concussion suit
MIAMI – Dan Marino said he is withdrawing as a plaintiff in a concussion lawsuit against the National Football League and doesn’t suffer any effects from head injuries.
The Hall of Fame quarterback said that within the past year, he authorized a claim to be filed on his behalf in case he needed future medical coverage. Marino said he didn’t realize he would automatically be listed as a plaintiff, and he has decided not to be part of the lawsuit.
Sailing
New rules allow Oracle to sail with the challengers
SAN DIEGO – The America’s Cup has shaken the rules for the 2017 regatta.
Defending champion Oracle Team USA will be able to race against challengers in early elimination rounds and give either Oracle or a challenger the chance to start the final match with a one-point lead.
Oracle Team USA will be allowed to build two 62-foot catamarans and the challengers only one, though Oracle will be restricted on when it can sail its second boat.
The protocol for the 35th America’s Cup was released Tuesday.
Softball
Gators chomp rival Alabama to claim first NCAA title
OKLAHOMA CITY – Kirsti Merritt hit a three-run homer, and Florida defeated Alabama 6-3 on Tuesday night to win its first NCAA softball championship.
The Gators (55-12) swept the championship series 2-0. Florida was the national runner-up in 2009 and 2011.
Jackie Traina, one of the nation’s best pitchers, gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings before getting pulled for Alabama (53-13).
Track and Field
Tyson Gay finishing ban, ready to return to racing
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Former world champion Tyson Gay says he will return from his one-year ban for doping on July 3 at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.
Gay’s one-year suspension for testing positive for an anabolic steroid expires on June 23.
The United States sprinter says he will run the 100 meters at the Athletissima, where he won last year in 9.79 seconds. That victory was annulled along with all of Gay’s results since July 2012.
Associated Press
