Masahiro Tanaka Hospitalized After Being Hit by Line Drive
The Yankees starting pitcher was struck during live batting practice in the team’s first summer workout on Saturday.
The New York Times,
Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo Win 2020 Nathan's Hot Dog Competition
Even with a diminished field, the two competitive eaters put on an impressive showing in the annual event, which was held in a private location with coronavirus provisions this year.
The New York Times,
With Plexiglass and Piles of Hot Dogs, a Fourth of July Tradition Lives On
“They’re going to be burping and groaning, and I’m just going to have to focus on my hot dogs,” the winner of last year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest mused of a quieter, crowd-free competition.
The New York Times,
The Anthem Debate Is Back. But Now It’s Standing That’s Polarizing.
As games return and dozens of players drop to one knee, leagues that once tried to tiptoe around the issue won’t be able to avoid it.
The New York Times,
Interpreting More Than Words for a Baseball Star
At one point, Bryan Lee, the interpreter for the Toronto Blue Jays ace Hyun-jin Ryu, was not cutting his hair or changing his T-shirt, to be in sync with the pitcher.
The New York Times,
Tennis Tours Debate Ranking Systems Frozen by the Coronavirus
The rankings have key implications for tournament seedings and sponsor bonuses.
The New York Times,
Cleveland Indians Say They Will ‘Determine Best Path Forward’ on Name
The announcement came hours after the Washington Redskins of the N.F.L. made a similar statement. Both teams have been the subject of protests and criticism from Native Americans and others.
The New York Times,
NASCAR's Jimmie Johnson tests positive for Covid-19, will miss Sunday's race
Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has tested positive for Covid-19 and will miss Sunday's race in Indianapolis, according to his team, Hendrick Motorsports.
CNN,
Cleveland Indians to 'determine the best path forward' regarding team name
The Cleveland Indians are taking a hard look at their own name.
CNN,
A Joyous Return to M.L.B.’s Ballparks, With a Dose of Wariness
“I know you can’t really see the smiles on us, because we’ve got our masks on,” the Red Sox’ manager said as teams were allowed to formally work out again. “But it was a long time at home.”
The New York Times,
MLB cancels its 2020 All-Star Game
As the MLB season gears up for a late start this month, one thing will be missing: its annual All-Star Game.
CNN,
Ryan Babel's Career Never Fit in 140 Characters.
Ryan Babel, one of the first high-profile soccer players to use social media, has spent his career being defined by everything but his play.
The New York Times,
UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov's father dies 'from Covid-19 complications'
The father and trainer of UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Abdulmanap, has died, the fighter's management team confirmed on Friday in a statement sent to CNN.
CNN,
Washington and the N.F.L. Might Change the Redskins Name. Why Now?
The move toward changing a mascot name after decades of complaints underscores how America’s most popular sport has scrambled to keep up with shifts in public opinion.
The New York Times,
Washington Redskins to Review Team’s Nickname
The review — a prelude to a potential change — comes after years of protest from those who find the name offensive and defiance from the team’s owner.
The New York Times,
He Drove 3,000 Miles to Find a Pool and Ended Up in the Ocean
Rudy Garcia-Tolson is determined to make a fifth Paralympic team, even if he has to start at the bottom. Or on a surfboard.
The New York Times,
Coronavirus Leads Some Athletes to Opt Out, if They Can Afford to
The decision on whether to participate in restarting seasons is exposing the haves and have-nots of the sports world.
The New York Times,
WNBA star speaks of her 'relief' after helping man overturn conviction
WNBA star Maya Moore has spoken of her "relief" after successfully helping a man overturn his conviction when he he served 22 years in prison.
CNN,
Liverpool title-winning celebrations dampened after thrashing from Manchester City
Liverpool's title-winning celebrations were given a rude awakening as Jurgen Klopp's team was thrashed 4-0 by last year's champion Manchester City in the Premier League.
CNN,
Serena takes to the tennis court with daughter Olympia
Sorry Venus, Serena has found a new doubles partner.
CNN,
When a Farewell Season Was Wiped Out, the Outfield Became a Diner
This was supposed to be the Pawtucket Red Sox’s final season in Rhode Island before moving to Massachusetts. Without any games for fans to attend, the team got creative.
The New York Times,
Black boxer who sparked race riots after world heavyweight win
Global protests sparked by George Floyd's death at the hands of police in Minneapolis are likely never to be forgotten, but less well known are the race riots that flared across the US 110 years ago.
CNN,
Secret Contracts Held a Surprise for Fiorentina’s New Owners
Rocco B. Commisso completed his purchase of an Italian team in record time. It was only after the closing that he learned an agent controlled the fate of some of the club’s top players.
The New York Times,
FedEx Joins Push for Washington Redskins to Be Renamed
The shipping giant paid $205 million for the naming rights to FedEx Field under a sponsorship deal that began in 1999.
The New York Times,
The NFL plans to play the Black national anthem before Week 1 games
The NFL plans to have the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing" -- known as the Black national anthem -- performed live or played before every game in Week 1 of the NFL season, a source familiar with the league's discussions told CNN on Thursday.
CNN,
Maya Moore's Help to Win Jonathan Irons's Freedom Shows Women Leading Change
Largely outside of the limelight, athletes like Maya Moore, who helped win the freedom of Jonathan Irons in a questionable conviction, have led the charge for social change.
The New York Times,
After Toasting Liverpool, City Shows What Might Have Been
“How is it possible,” the coach of Liverpool’s champions asked himself recently, “that anybody is 20 points ahead of this team?”
The New York Times,
For N.W.S.L., Federal Pandemic Relief Loan Saved Season Lost to Virus
The N.W.S.L. was one of millions of businesses that took Paycheck Protection Program loans this year. The money got the league and its players through eight uncertain weeks.