MLB
Judge grants a 10-day stay as MLB gathers witnesses
MIAMI – A South Florida judge granted a delay in witness depositions in Major League Baseball’s lawsuit against a now-closed clinic accused of providing banned substances to players.
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Ronald Dresnick agreed Wednesday to allow a 10-day stay for depositions of two witnesses. That provides time for attorneys to seek a longer stay while an appeals court decides whether to throw out the lawsuit.
Attorney Jeffrey Sonn said the appeals court ordered MLB lawyers to respond to his challenge by Sept. 15. Sonn represents Yuri Sucart, a cousin of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez. Sucart previously admitted obtaining banned performance-enhancing drugs for Rodriguez.
The MLB lawsuit targets anti-aging clinic Biogenesis of America. More than a dozen players linked to the clinic have been suspended.
Heyward takes a 90-mph fastball to the jaw
NEW YORK – Braves outfielder Jason Heyward suffered two jaw fractures when he was struck by a pitch and will undergo surgery Thursday.
The Braves said Heyward’s jaw was stabilized, and he was to return to Atlanta on Wednesday night in advance of the operation. The team will announce how long Heyward will be sidelined after surgery is completed.
Heyward was beaned by a 90-mph fastball from New York Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese in the sixth inning of the Braves’ 4-1, 10-inning win Wednesday. The impact made a loud noise, and the crowd groaned as Heyward crumpled to the ground.
He stayed down on his back for about three minutes before getting helped to his feet. Heyward walked slowly off the field under his own power, escorted by a trainer. Visibly concerned, Niese tapped himself with his glove as Heyward walked off, and Heyward appeared to acknowledge him.
NBA
Clippers point guard the new point man for the NBAPA
LAS VEGAS – Los Angeles Clippers star point guard Chris Paul is the new point man as president of the NBA players’ association.
The vote Wednesday came six months after the players fired Billy Hunter as executive director.
Hunter countered with a wrongful-termination lawsuit in May, accusing Derek Fisher, the former union president, of conspiring with league officials during the 2011 lockout.
Also on Wednesday, Roger Mason Jr. was elected first vice president, and Anthony Tolliver and Steve Blake were elected vice presidents.
NFL
Baltimore and Indianapolis trade young skill players
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – The Baltimore Ravens acquired running back Delone Carter from the Indianapolis Colts in a trade for wide receiver David Reed.
The deal, announced Wednesday, involves two players who have seen limited playing time in the NFL.
Carter, a fourth-round draft pick, has started three games over two seasons with the Colts, running 133 times for 499 yards and five touchdowns.
The 26-year-old Reed, a fifth-round draft pick, has five career receptions for 66 yards over three seasons.
Tennis
Former top-10 Fish pulls out; women’s No. 3 withdraws
NEW YORK – Former top-10 player Mardy Fish pulled out of the U.S. Open on Wednesday, the latest setback in his bid to make a comeback on the ATP Tour after dealing with heart issues.
The U.S. Tennis Association said the 31-year-old American cited “personal reasons” for his withdrawal.
No. 3 seed Maria Sharapova, the 2006 champion, pulled out of the U.S. Open because of a right shoulder injury.
The draw for the year’s final Grand Slam is Thursday, and play will begin Monday.
Associated Press
