Former NFL star, CBS anchor Irv Cross had brain disease CTE
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Former Philadelphia Eagle and CBS NFL announcer Irv Cross has been diagnosed with the brain disease CTE. Cross was 81 when he died Feb. 28, 2021. Boston University researchers say Cross suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The researchers said he suffered from stage 4 CTE, which is the most advanced kind of the disease. Irv Cross was diagnosed with mild cognitive dementia in 2018. Liz Cross says her late husband often felt angry, depressed and embarrassed in his final years, He struggled physically with his balance, was paranoid and had delusions often.
Manny Machado, Padres finalize $350M, 11-year contract
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — All-Star slugger Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres finalized a $350 million, 11-year contract, the fourth-largest in baseball history. The deal will keep Machado with the Padres through 2033 and is the latest contract handed out by big-spending owner Peter Seidler. Machado, who has helped turn the Padres into a World Series contender, finished second in the NL MVP race last year. He’ll anchor a star-laden lineup that includes Xander Bogaerts, Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr., who can return on April 20 from an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
Padres’ Musgrove out at least 2 weeks with a broken toe
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — San Diego All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove will be sidelined for at least two weeks after breaking his left big toe in a weight room accident, putting in question whether he will be ready for the start of the season. Musgrove was hurt Monday, Padres manager Bob Melvin said, Once Musgrove is cleared to throw, he will have to build up arm strength and endurance. . A 30-year-old right-hander, Musgrove went 10-7 with a 2.93 ERA last season and is starting a $100 million, five-year contract.
MLB average salary rose 14.8% to record $4.22M last season
NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball’s average salary rose 14.8% to a record $4.22 million last year after the end of the lockout, boosted by big deals for Max Scherzer, Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. The rate of increase was the highest since a 17.7% increase in 2000 to $1.61 million, according to final calculations by the players’ association. The average had dropped in each of the previous four seasons before 2022, sparking player anger that was expressed by the union during a 99-day lockout that ended last March.
Rodgers, QBs become top attractions at NFL combine
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Green Bay Packers are still waiting for Aaron Rodgers to decide whether or where he’ll play next season. Other teams at the NFL’s annual scouting combine seem to be jockeying for other quarterbacks. As coaches and general managers kicked off one of the league’s biggest offseason events, the discussions took off. Marcus Mariota was cut, Derek Carr became a hot commodity, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were expected to discuss how they’ll replace the retired Tom Brady.
Alaba abused, Croatia coach critical following FIFA awards
GENEVA (AP) — Real Madrid defender David Alaba has been racially abused on social media after voting for Lionel Messi and Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić has accused FIFA of disrespect in fallout from the soccer body’s annual awards ceremony. Messi was named the best men’s player on Monday and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema placed third. The awards were decided by a poll of national team captains and coaches, selected media and fans voting online. Alaba’s vote as Austria’s national team captain provoked anger from Real Madrid fans and others. Alaba is Black and Messi played for Madrid-rival Barcelona for 17 years. Dalić says he refused to vote in protest at a perceived lack of respect for himself and his team.
Golden board: Durant, Bird, Azzi helping lead USA Basketball
When Kevin Durant was asked about the notion of him and some other Olympic gold medalists potentially getting seats on USA Basketball’s Board of Directors, he liked the idea. But on one condition: He didn’t want the seats to be honorary. Durant hasn’t decided yet if he’ll play for the U.S. at the World Cup this summer, and it’s still unknown if he’ll play at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But he’ll be one of the people continuing to shape policy for the governing body for basketball in this country during that span. He’s one of five gold medalists currently serving on USA Basketball’s board, with athletes getting a louder voice now than ever before.
Bills DC Frazier taking a year off, plans to return in 2024
The Buffalo Bills say defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is taking a year off from coaching but plans to return for the 2024 season. The team didn’t provide any other details on Frazier’s decision, which comes a little over five weeks after the three-time AFC East champion Bills were eliminated with a 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Bills haven’t said who will fill in for Frazier this season. The team has hired Al Holcomb to serve as a senior defensive assistant. Holcomb finished last season as the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator and previously worked under Bills head coach Sean McDermott.
Column: A PGA Tour offering no guarantees can still deliver
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — LIV Golf started its season when the PGA Tour’s biggest stars would be taking the week off. But then the PGA Tour showed at the Honda Classic that it can still deliver when least expected. Chris Kirk was a happy tale at Honda. He is a recovering alcoholic who had gone nearly eight years without winning. Over in Mexico, Charles Howell III won the LIV Golf opener. Howell’s narrative was that he never won enough on the PGA Tour. He has 3 wins in 607 tries. Howell won $4 million. That’s more than his last 95 starts combined on the PGA Tour.
Chelsea coach Potter reaches critical point as losses mount
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Chelsea manager Graham Potter is facing a critical point of his early reign. Potter has so far had the faith of American owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital but supporters have already started to turn against him and an online petition calling for him to be fired has received more than 40,000 signatures. Potter needs results to turn quickly. Chelsea has games coming up against Leeds in the Premier League and Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 of the Champions League. The London club is closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League qualifying place.
