Cycling
Bouhanni wins 2nd Volta stage in as many days
OLOT, Spain – Nacer Bouhanni of France won the second stage of the Volta a Catalunya on Tuesday, adding to his opening stage victory and protecting his overall lead.
The Cofidis rider sprinted ahead of the pack to claim the relatively flat 111.1-mile ride from Mataro to Olot.
Gianni Meersman was second.
Wednesday’s third stage is a mountainous 106.9-mile ride from Girona to La Molina in the Pyrenees.
MMA
New York last state to legalize the combat sport
ALBANY, N.Y. – New York’s Assembly voted 113-25 Tuesday to legalize mixed martial arts, clearing the way for fights late this year and expanding the combat sport into the last state to still prohibit it.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo supports legalizing the combination of wrestling, kickboxing and judo. The state Senate has already passed the identical measure.
Critics call MMA too violent and like football and boxing prone to causing concussions and head injuries. Some said it inspires domestic violence and invites children to imitate it.
Provisions were added to reduce opposition, including raising the insurance required for fighter injuries to $50,000 and to $1 million for life-threatening brain injuries. It requires insurance of $50,000 for the estate of an athlete fatally injured.
Advocates say it has evolved from rougher early days with more rules to protect fighters, who are trained professionals. Meanwhile, it’s on television, and fighters train and amateurs already compete in New York in unregulated bouts.
NFL
League looking at game in China as early as 2018
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The NFL is looking into playing a regular-season game in China.
An analysis of how much interest there would be in such a game in the world’s most populous country is under way and being discussed at this week’s owners meetings. Few details have been settled, including which Chinese city the league will target.
Several teams have expressed a willingness to play in China, though the logistics would be more challenging than playing in London during the season.
This year, the NFL will stage three games in London. The league also will return to Mexico for a regular-season game in November.
Chiefs star LB Houston grounded by knee injury
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Chiefs star pass rusher Justin Houston could miss much or all of next season after having surgery to repair an ACL in his knee.
The Chiefs said Tuesday that the ligament was not fully torn, but after a meeting with orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, the consensus was surgery was the best option for his long-term health.
The best-case scenario is a mid-August return, though it’s possible Houston could miss the entire season.
Tennis
Tournament director quits after criticizing women
LOS ANGELES – The tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open who said women’s pro tennis players “ride on the coattails of the men” resigned Monday night.
Tournament owner Larry Ellison said in a statement that Raymond Moore was quitting as chief executive officer and tournament director of the $7 million event featuring men’s and women’s players in the California desert. Moore informed Ellison of his decision when they spoke earlier in the day.
Moore apologized after he was roundly criticized by executives from the women’s and men’s pro tours, players Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka and on social media for his comments Sunday.
Associated Press
