College Football
Ricky Williams is back as running backs coach at UIW
SAN ANTONIO – Ricky Williams is the new running backs coach at the University of Incarnate Word, bringing years of knowledge of the game to the small Catholic school looking to build its program.
Incarnate Word coach Larry Kennan called the former No. 5 overall draft pick “one of the biggest names in Texas football.”
The 1998 Heisman Trophy winner and NFL All-Pro who led the league in rushing in 2002 is looking forward to getting back on the football field a year after his retirement from the NFL.
MLB
Upon further review, MLB gives replay a longer leash
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Calling it a historic moment, Commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday that Major League Baseball plans to expand its video review process next season, giving managers a tool they’ve never had in an effort to dramatically reduce the number of incorrect calls.
Selig made the announcement after two days of meetings with representatives of the 30 teams. The proposal is to be voted on by the owners in November. A 75-percent vote by the owners is needed for approval and the players’ association, and umpires would have to agree to any changes to the current system.
NHL
76ers owner adds the Devils to his list of franchises
NEWARK, N.J. – The new owners of the New Jersey Devils are keeping long-time executive Lou Lamoriello in charge of hockey operations, bringing in a new business team and committing to make the three-time Stanley Cup champions an organization looked toward as a model of excellence.
Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris and business partner David Blitzer on Thursday bought the Devils and the lease to the Prudential Center from Jeff Vanderbeek for $320 million.
Tennis
U.S. Open finally puts a lid on Arthur Ashe Stadium
NEW YORK – U.S. Open rain delays at Arthur Ashe Stadium will be no more by 2017. The Grand Slam tournament’s center court could be covered by a retractable roof as soon as the 2016 tournament but more likely the next year, U.S. Tennis Association officials said Thursday.
As the men’s final was delayed to Monday each of the last five years, they had insisted a roof wasn’t yet feasible financially or structurally. A decade after the USTA started studying the issue and three years after architectural firm Rossetti began researching the project, the price tag and the technology finally are workable. The construction will cost about $100 million, down from earlier projections of $200 million.
The U.S. Open becomes the last of the four major tournaments to cover up. The main stadiums at Wimbledon and the Australian Open already have roofs, and the French Open plans one, too.
NEW YORK – Two-time NCAA singles champion Nicole Gibbs earned one of eight wild cards into the U.S. Open.
Others went to 2010 Wimbledon and U.S. Open doubles champion Vania King, USTA girls 18-and-under champion Sachia Vickery and 17-year-old Taylor Townsend, who last year became the first American girl in 30 years to hold the year-end No. 1 ranking in juniors.
Wimbledon champion Bartoli shockingly retires at age 28
MASON, Ohio – Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli surprisingly retired after losing her latest match at the Western & Southern Open.
The 28-year-old player from France suffered through a series of injuries even as she enjoyed the highlight of her career this year, winning at Wimbledon – the most career starts at a major in tennis history before winning their first Grand Slam championship.
After two hours of considering her physical condition, she tearfully announced she’s quitting. Bartoli said her Achilles, shoulder, hips and lower back hurt continuously when she plays.
Associated Press
