08312017 sports

SPORTS SECTION E

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2017

Independent committee to investigate 4x4 fallout

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

T

he fallout from the drama surrounding the men’s 4x400m relay at the recent IAAF World Championships continues as the matter is now headed for arbitration.

BAAAs President Rosamunde Carey addressed the issue yesterday and said an independent committee will investigate the incident and deliver their findings before her organisation takes an official stance.

“The issues that occurred at the World Championships in London have been the topic of discussion for some time now. I am deeply cognizant that at the centre of it, they are our athletes, coaches and ofcourse federation executives. While the federation has yet to issue a report on the subject matter, one is forthcoming,” she said.

“I am pleased to convey that a special executive meeting has been called specifically to address that issue, the unanimous decision was made to empower an independent committee.

The committee make-up will be of non-executives and non-council members.

Their mandate will be to undertake a thorough investigation of the incident and to provide their findings. The executives will take whatever action is deemed appropriate at the conclusion of this investigation.”

National 400m record holder and World Championships silver medallist Steven Gardiner opted not to compete in the heats of the 4x400m relay, three days after he won the aforementioned medal.

Without Gardiner, the team of Alonzo Russell, Michael Mathieu, Ojay Ferguson and Ramon Miller ran a season’s best of 3:03.04 seconds that placed them sixth in their heat and 11th overall.

For the second World Championships, the Bahamas failed to get into the final at the meet in between the bronze medal by the team of Russell, Mathieu, Gardiner and Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Gardiner became the

first Bahamian to dip under the 44-second barrier when he lowered his national record to 43.89 to get into the final where he picked up the silver medal in 44.41 behind world record holder Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa.

The decision began a war-of-words as conflicting reports emerged out of London between Gardiner and national team head coach Dianne WoodsideJohnson regarding the reasons behind the decision.

Woodside-Johnson conducted an interview where she disclosed Gardiner’s apparent refusal to run in the heats.

He said he informed coaches that he was still recuperating from running the rounds of the 400m and was also recovering from the flu, but claimed none of that was taken into consideration when he was told by Woodside-Johnson that he had to run the heats to ensure that the team got into the final.

“I didn’t tell her I wasn’t running, I told her that I can only do one round.

That’s the final. I cannot do two rounds again. She told the media that I said I wasn’t running, which was not true,” Gardiner told The Tribune in London. “The coaches were there and the team was there when I told her that I would only be able to run the final because I was still sore and tired from running the individual event. I don’t know why she is telling people and the media that I said I wasn’t representing my country.”

Woodside-Johnson responded in an interview with The Tribune once the team returned from the competition.

“I thought it was quite interesting about what he had to say. When I did the interview, I told the athlete that if he had not run in the heat, it was highly unlikely that there would have been a final. The truth was he refused to run in the heat,” she said.

While Carey would not disclose the names of the committee members, she gave a timeline of “a few weeks” before results of the committee were produced.

“I have had verbal reports from management, from the head coach, and three

SEE PAGE 17

ROSAMUNDE Carey, president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, outlined the pending agenda for her administration moving forward.

The executives seek to establish several new concepts, most notably the establishment of a chief executive officer, the effect of the new constitution and a myriad of other initiatives.

“We have a very ambitious agenda moving forward, I am confident that the executives, council members will continue to provide the resources required to successfully advance the operations of the federation,” she said.

“We are undergoing the transformation of the BAAAs into a business model that can stand on par with the best as-

sociations in the region and indeed the wider international community.

The need for structural changes and the establishment of policies and regulations for more clear and transparent operations are paramount. Moreover, the federation recognises that a paradigm shift is necessary to attract more stakeholders to advance and promote a culture of developing and strengthening our programmes that will undoubtedly give rise to a more effective organisation.”

The BAAA is currently in search of prospective candidates to fulfil the position of CEO. The fulltime post is expected to be filled by November.

“As we speak a search is underway to find a suitable individual with the appropriate business acumen and skill set to fill the role as a full-time staff member of the federation to provide

Tennis, Page 18

IN REBOUNDS, J0NQUEL JONES ON THE CUSP OF WNBA HISTORY

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL team head coach Dianne Woodside-Johnson.

WITH two games left in the regular season, Grand Bahamian Jonquel Jones is on the cusp of WNBA history.

Jones recorded an historic feat with her third 20-rebound game of the season and propelled the Connecticut Sun to a win that solidified their playoff seeding among the league’s top teams.

She finished with 14 points, a career high 22 rebounds and career high six assists in an 86-76 win over the Washington Mystics at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, Tuesday night.

Jones’ performance Tuesday quickened her historic rebounding pace in her chase of the WNBA single season record. It was her third 20-rebound game of the season and also marked her 19th double double.

In the season opener on May 13, she finished with eight points and 20 rebounds against the Atlanta Dream and had a 23-point, 21-rebound performance against the Chicago Sky on May 28.

She joined Tina Charles as the only players in WNBA history to record

SEE PAGE 17

ANFERNEE SEYMOUR NAMED TO THE PEORIA JAVELINAS ROSTER

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL 400m record holder and IAAF World Athletics Championships silver medallist Steven Gardiner cruises in a 400m heat in London on August 6.

(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

CAREY: BAAA HAS ‘VERY AMBITIOUS AGENDA MOVING FORWARD’

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

US OPEN

BAAA President Rosamunde Carey. valuable assistance in planning activities for the upcoming season,” she said.

“The role of CEO is vital in moving the federation forward to being a viable business entity.”

The mandate to continue the advancement of the federation includes several initiatives, including the hosting of the Dr BJ Nottage Flow CARIFTA Track and Field Champi-

onships, the hosting of the annual awards banquet ceremony and the milestone of the administration, the new constitution.

“Our quantum leap came when members of the federation overwhelmingly voted on March 23 on the passing of the constitution, which became effective on April 1. Undoubtedly, this is the largest tangible act of success of this adminis-

tration’s tenure thus far,” Carey said. “The founding of our new constitution places us in the best position to move forward and revolutionise our sport. I can assure you that the federation will not continue to laud itself on that achievement, but will remain steadfast in implementing significant action. There are several key initiatives that will stand out – namely as it is with our parent body the IAAF – at next year’s electoral AGM, the executive, and council members will not vote. The clubs will be the only ones with authority to vote in 2018.”

Carey also addressed the issue of a Bahamian sprinter who failed a drug test at the IAAF World Relays.

Just before the IAAF World Championships, it was reported that a member of the men’s 4x100m team tested positive, however, a resolution is still pending.

ANFERNEE Seymour has made headlines recently for his efficient hitting and achieved another milestone yesterday in his progression through the Atlanta Braves franchise.

Seymour was named to the roster of the Peoria Javelinas in the Offseason Arizona Fall League.

The Javelinas have MLB affiliations with the San Diego Padres and Mariners along with the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and Cincinnati Reds.

He was one of seven members of his Florida Fire Frogs named to the roster.

According to the Fire Frogs, Seymour is having his best month of the season to close out the 2017 campaign, as the 25thranked prospect has hit .355 through 21 games while collecting an OBP of .405 in the final full month of the year.

The Arizona Fall League attracts many of the top prospects in the minor leagues.

Late in the minor league seasons, MLB clubs hold a position draft to determine the players who will participate in the AFL. Most are Double-A and Triple-A players.

The league is designed for these prospects to refine their skills and perform in game settings in front of major and minor league baseball scouts and team executives, who are in at-

SEE PAGE 17

PAGE 16, Thursday, August 31, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

ISAIAH THOMAS SAYS ‘I AM NOT DAMAGED’ IN ESPN INTERVIEW

By TOM WITHERS Associated Press CLEVELAND (AP) — AllStar point guard Isaiah Thomas believes he will fully recover from a right hip injury that has threatened to void his recent trade to Cleveland.

Thomas, who was dealt by the Boston Celtics to the Cavaliers last week for star Kyrie Irving, told ESPN he has made progress in his recovery.

“I am not damaged,” the 28-year-old said. “I’ll be back, and I’ll be the same player.”

After Thomas underwent a physical last week, the Cavaliers had some concerns about the results. A person familiar with the findings told The Associated Press the trade would not be finalised until the team completed a “deep and thorough review.”

The Cavs have continued to weigh their options in recent days,

IN this file photo, Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) plays in the team’s NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in Boston.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa) and it’s possible they will ask for the Celtics for more compensa-

tion — likely another draft pick.

Per league rules, a deal can be

voided if a traded player fails his physical.

The teams have until 10am today to complete the blockbuster deal in which Boston also sent forward Jae Crowder, centre Ante Zizic and an unconditional 2018 first-round draft pick to Cleveland for Irving, who requested a trade in July.

Thomas told ESPN that doctors said his torn labrum will not affect how long he plays. However, Thomas did indicate he may not be ready for the start of the season. “There’s never been an indication that I wouldn’t be back, and there’s never been an indication that this is something messing up my career,” he said. “Maybe I am not going to be back as soon this season as everyone wants me to be, but I’m going to be back, and I’m going to be the same player again. No doctor has told me anything different than that.”

Thomas averaged 28.9 points

per game last season, pushing his way into the conversation as one of the league’s best playmakers.

He also showed incredible courage in the playoffs by continuing to play at a high level following his sister’s tragic death in a car accident.

He is entering his final year under contract and Thomas has been eyeing a major deal next summer, either with Cleveland or elsewhere.

Thomas was unable to finish the conference finals, and he sought several opinions on his injury following the season.

“I haven’t had one doctor tell me that this injury is going to hurt my career,” Thomas said in the ESPN interview. “Surgery was not the best option in this case. I aggravated it in March when (Minnesota’s) Karl-Anthony Towns fell on me. I kept playing on it and making it worse — until I couldn’t play anymore last season.”

Indians sweep Yankees, who stagger into Red Sox series

By RONALD BLUM Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Trevor Bauer and Ryan Merritt shut down the Yankees’ offence, leading the Cleveland Indians to a doubleheader sweep that damaged New York’s chances to win the AL East.

Bauer won his career-best seventh straight decision, Jose Ramirez tied his big league high with four hits and the Indians took advantage of Gary Sanchez’s passed ball in a two-run first inning that stood up for a 2-1 win in yesterday’s opener.

Yandy Diaz hit a two-run single in a four-run first inning against rookie Jordan Montgomery in the second game, and Edwin Encarnacion, Yan Gomes and Francisco Lindor added home

runs in a 9-4 blowout that completed a three-game series sweep and extended the Indians’ winning streak to seven games.

Defending AL champion Cleveland has won 16 of 20, opening a 7 1/2-game lead over second-place Minnesota in the AL Central and moving a season-high 20 games over .500 at 76-56.

New York dropped five games behind first-place Boston in the AL East heading into a four-game series against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium starting tonight. While the Baby Bombers lead the wild-card race, eight teams still have realistic chances to make the one-game playoff, and 24 of New York’s remaining 30 games are against those contenders.

Cleveland went ahead for good nine pitches into the

first game and 16 pitches into the nightcap, then the Indians took a 9-1 lead into the ninth.

Bauer (14-8) allowed one run, four hits and four walks over six innings on an afternoon that began with a crowd of 39,568 watching in brilliant sunshine and ended with only a few hundred fans staying for the final out. “It wasn’t his best stuff, but he fought like crazy,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.

Bauer is 7-0 in nine starts since a July 16 loss at Oakland. “It was a struggle,” he said. “Day games are always kind of weird.”

Cody Allen struck out three of four batters for his 22nd save in 25 chances, combining with Tyler Olson and Bryan Shaw for onehit relief. Slumping rookie Aaron Judge, held out of

the starting lineup for a second consecutive game, pinch hit with two outs in the ninth and struck out.

He was 1 for 3 with a walk in the second game.

Jaime Garcia (1-2) gave up two runs, six hits and three walks in five-plus innings.

Sanchez’s 13th passed ball, second-most in the major leagues, caused an unearned run. Lindor singled leading off, stole second, went to third on Ramirez’s single and came home on the passed ball, which also allowed Ramirez to advance. “That’s kind of where I wanted to throw it, but my stuff sometimes moves,” Garcia said.

Diaz followed with another run-scoring single.

Didi Gregorius had an RBI double in the third for the Yankees.

came up empty against the sizzling Orioles.

After Baltimore went up 7-6 in the sixth on a bases loaded sacrifice fly by Manny Machado, Seattle pulled even in the eighth when Haniger connected off Brad Brach (4-4).

In the bottom half, Castillo singled off Christian Bergman (4-5) and went to second base on a sacrifice bunt before being replaced by pinch-runner Caleb Joseph.

Tim Beckham then hit a liner to short, and Joseph was called out on a relay to second. But a replay overturned the call, and Schoop followed an intentional walk to Machado with a single to center off Marc Rzepczynski.

Zach Britton pitched the ninth for his 13th save.

Julio Teheran (9-11) allowed one run and five hits, striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings.

Inciarte was 3 for 5 with one RBI after going 5 for 5 with four RBIs to lead the Braves to a 9-1 victory in the opener.

Philadelphia’s Game 2 starter, Mark Leiter Jr. (24), allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Braves starter R.A Dickey (9-8) struck out nine over eight innings in Game 1.

Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer off Jerad Eickhoff (4-8) in the first.

INDIANS shortstop Francisco Lindor, left, celebrates with right fielder Jay Bruce after the Indians defeated the Yankees 2-1 in the first game of a baseball doubleheader yesterday at Yankee Stadium in New York.

(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

BASEBALL CAPSULES ORIOLES 8, MARINERS 7 BALTIMORE (AP) — Welington Castillo went 4 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs, Jonathan Schoop singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and Baltimore beat Seattle for its season-high seventh straight victory.

Schoop, Mancini and Craig Gentry also homered for the Orioles, who com-

pleted their first threegame sweep of Seattle since 2012. In this one, Baltimore fell behind 6-2 in the third inning before coming back.

Mitch Haniger homered and hit two doubles for Seattle, which completed an arduous 12-game East Coast trip with five straight defeats. After winning two of three in Tampa Bay and Atlanta, the Mariners went 1-2 at Yankee Stadium and

BREWERS 6, CARDINALS 5 MILWAUKEE (AP) — Domingo Santana and Jonathan Villar homered in the sixth inning, and centrefielder Keon Broxton made a leaping catch over the wall for the final out.

Corey Knebel pitched the ninth for his 30th save.

Chase Anderson (8-3) gave up two hits — both homers — in six innings, three earned runs, struck out six and walked two to improve to 4-0 in nine starts at Miller Park this season.

Santana hit his 22nd homer of the season and Villar’s was his 10th, giving Milwaukee a franchiserecord nine players with at least 10 homers in a season.

Carlos Martinez (10-10) allowed 10 hits, six runs — three earned — and struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings.

TIGERS 6, ROCKIES 2 DENVER (AP) — Justin Verlander struck out nine over six commanding innings and aided his own cause by driving in his first career run.

Verlander (10-8) allowed one run and three hits. His only mistake was a curveball that Charlie Blackmon hit for a solo homer in the sixth. Verlander ignited the offense with an RBI single in the second.

Nicholas Castellanos added a solo homer and James McCann sealed the game with a three-run shot in the fifth to help Tigers take two of three from Colorado.

The Rockies finished August with a 12-15 record — their first losing month of the season. They saw their lead for the second NL wild card shrink to three games over Milwaukee.

Chad Bettis (0-2) struggled with his control in his fourth start since returning from treatment for testicular cancer. He allowed five runs in five innings.

BRAVES 9, PHILLIES 1 (Ist game) BRAVES 5, PHILLIES 2 (2nd game) PHILADELPHIA (AP) — David Freitas lined a go-ahead RBI double for his first career hit, Ender Inciarte had three hits and Atlanta beat Philadelphia to complete a doubleheader sweep.

NATIONALS 4, MARLINS 0 WASHINGTON (AP) — Stephen Strasburg tossed a complete game six-hitter and also homered, Wilmer Difo added a home run and Washington beat Miami to complete a three-game sweep.

Washington, which has won four in a row, extended its lead in the NL East to 15 games over the Marlins.

Miami, which had won 13 of 16 prior to arriving in Washington, had not dropped three in a row since July 14-16.

The Marlins had no answer for Strasburg (11-4), who struck out eight. Strasburg threw 110 pitches.

It was Strasburg’s second complete game in 179 starts and his first since August 11, 2013, against Philadelphia.

Strasburg is 1-1 with a 0.86 ERA in three starts since returning from a disabled list stint for right elbow nerve impingement.

Miami left-hander Adam Conley (6-6) made it through the first four innings unscathed before Strasburg launched the first pitch of the fifth to rightcenter for his second home run this season and third of his career.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, August 31, 2017, PAGE 17

Miller-Uibo to chase 400 title at AG Memorial Van Damme

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sport s Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WITH half of her mission complete, Shaunae MillerUibo will be in Brussels, Belgium, for the last half of the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s Diamond League Final where she will try to add the 400 metre title to the 200m crown she secured a week ago in Zurich, Switzerland.

Coming off her national record-breaking performance of 21.88 seconds for the victory in the women’s 200m and a hefty cash prize of $50,000 at the Weltklasse Zurich on Friday, MillerUibo will go after a repeat feat when she lines up in the 400m at the AG Memorial Van Damme this Friday.

“I’m expecting as always to compete,” the 23-yearold Miller-Uibo told The Tribune. “It’s going to be my last race for the season so I want to leave on a good note.”

Going into the race, Miller-Uibo has the third (49.77 seconds), fourth (49.80) and fifth (49.86) fastest times that trail only Americans Allyson Felix (49.65) and Quanera Haynes (49.72), but none of them will be in Brussels. Instead, she will face one of the three women who came from behind as she faltered down the stretch at the IAAF World Championships in London, England, falling from the lead to fourth.

Salwa Naser, the silver medallist in London, will be among the field that will include three veteran Jamaican competitors - Novlene Williams-Mills, Sherica Jackson and Stephanie Ann McPherson. Also entered are Americans Natasha Hastings and Courtney Okolo. Lydia Jele from Botswana rounds out the field.

“It’s going to be another great field of ladies, so hopefully we can put on another great show for the public,” Miller-Uibo said.

If she is successful, Miller-Uibo will become the first female athlete to have won the 200/400m double in the history of the IAAF’s year ending meet, which previously was the Golden League Final where athletes earned points and the top finisher, based on their points accumulated, carted off the overall title.

Under the previous format, only one Bahamian ever won a Golden League Final title and that was Tonique Williams in the women’s 400m when she set the national record in the event (49.07) - a time she ran in Berlin on September 12, 2004.

Last Friday, Miller-Uibo matched Williams’ feat when she won the 200m title in Zurich. She came off the final curve in fourth and powered from behind on the straight-away to pull off the win over Jamaican Olympic double sprint champion Elaine Thompson, World Championships double sprint silver medallist Marie-Josee Ta Lou from the Ivory Coast and 200m champion and 100m bronze medallist Dafne Schippers from the Netherlands.

“The race was fine. I just give God all the thanks and praise for everything,” said Miller-Uibo, who got the bronze in London behind Schippers and Ta Lou. Miller-Uibo, who was trying to attempt the 200/400m double at the World Championships, said while she had her share of disappointment in the 400m, it was a little more hurtful to watch in Zurich as Steven Gardiner slipped and fell coming out of the blocks of the

BAHAMAS’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo celebrates after winning the 200m during the Weltklasse IAAF Diamond League international athletics meeting in the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich, Switzerland.

(Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP)

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo wins the 200m followed by Elaine Thompson (2nd) of Jamaica, centre, and Dafne Schippers (4th) of Netherlands.

(Walter Bieri/Keystone via AP) men’s 400m last Friday and was unable to complete the race.

“What happened to Steven was most unfortunate.

I actually thought they were going to call the race back, but things like this hap-

JONQUEL

FROM PAGE 15 three 20-rebound games in a single season. The Grand Bahama native has now totalled 384 rebounds this season. The record is 398 rebounds set by Charles in 2010 as a rookie with the Sun. In that season, Charles averaged 15.5 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

Jones is currently averaging 15.8 points and 12 rebounds per game. She trails Charles’ record by 14 rebounds and two games left to play.

The Mystics lost their third consecutive game in their struggle for playoff seeding. With the win, the Sun improved to 21-11 and clinched a top four seed in the playoff standings. It also solidified that they will host a second-round single elimination contest on September 10 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The winner will advance

JONQUEL JONES in action. (AP) to the best-of-five WNBA semi-finals. The final few games of the regular season will determine the seeding for the opening rounds of the playoffs.

“We knew that we needed one to guarantee ourselves that third or fourth spot,” Jones said. “It wasn’t really about what they needed, it was more about what we needed so that’s what we were concerned about.”

The Sun will return to action on Friday against the Phoenix Mercury and conclude the regular season against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.

“I thought both teams played tremendously hard,

I thought it was a physical game. I thought both teams didn’t shoot the ball like they were capable of and I think you have to credit both defences because there was obviously something that contributed to that,” Sun head coach Curt Miller said.

“Both teams have certainly played better offensively, but I think the intensity in the magnitude of what this game meant was a contributing factor so it took on a playoff feel and playoff intensity. I’m really proud that we were gritty even when they made that one last run in the fourth quarter.”

ANFERNEE

FROM PAGE 15 tendance at almost every game.

Play begins shortly after the end of MLB’s regular season in early October and ends in mid-November.

The 2017 Arizona Fall League begins Tuesday, October 10.

Seymour became the second consecutive Bahamian named to a fall league roster following Champ Stuart, who participated with the Scottsdale Scorpions last year.

Seymour was ranked No.11 in the latest edition of Baseball America’s “Prospect Hot Sheet” which recognises the top performing prospects in Minor League Baseball during the given time period.

Seymour is currently listed as the 25th ranked prospect in the Braves organisation, and has risen five spots since his move to Single-A Advanced.

Since the call up to the Fire Frogs, Seymour has appeared in 78 games in

ANFERNEE SEYMOUR in action. the Florida State League.

The 22-year-old outfielder is hitting .287 with 17 RBI, an OBP of .346, OPS of .711 scored 42 runs and stole 17 bases.

Despite playing in just 78 of the team’s 118 games, he ranks fourth on the team in hits (84), fourth in triples and second in stolen bases.

Seymour was promoted to Class-A advanced and joined the Fire Frogs in May. Prior to the promotion, Seymour was enjoying his most successful season at the plate in his young minor league career.

Through 28 games with the Rome Braves in the

South Atlantic League, Seymour hit .287 with six RBI, an OBP of .345 and snagged eight stolen bases in 11 tries.

Last season Seymour was traded from the Miami Marlins organisation to the Atlanta Braves in a threeplayer deal which also saw the Braves acquire pitcher Michael Mader in exchange for relief pitcher Hunter Cervenka.

The Javelinas, established in 1992, play in the West Division of the Arizona Fall League.

The Javelinas play their home games in the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona.

pen,” she said. “Fortunate enough, he is injury free and I think that is what’s most important. He had a tremendous season and I’m sure that one hiccup won’t bring him down.”

Gardiner, the Abaco na-

tive who turns 22 on September 12, became the first Bahamian to crack the 44-second barrier when he ran 43.89 in the semi-finals at the World Championships to lower his national record.

IAAF WORLDS FROM PAGE 15

conversations with Steven Gardiner, but I will allow the process to take place and there will be written reports. We await those results but we definitely know that we must have written policy in black and white to deal with these situations,” she said.

“We have asked and I have been told that there was documentation as a part of the former administration. There were many persons who were disciplined without written policy, but we would want to have written policy in place so if there is a challenge to those, there would be no grounds and no basis for it.”

Carey added that documentation and a clear understanding of rules and regulations for national team involvement would be a hallmark of her administration and eliminate the common controversies surrounding national teams.

“Once you are selected to a national team, you belong to that national team. You still have access to your personal coach, because that’s your personal coach, that’s who brought you to where you are, but when you are selected to a national team, you still work with your coach but not to the detriment of the team – meaning that if your head coach or relay coach said you are to be available to run in an event, you ought to make yourself available,” she said.

“Personal coaches should not interfere with national team directives to an athlete. Going forward and with all the growing pains that we have had, I want to ensure that there are written policies in place that will be disseminated to athletes and coaches so that everyone will be made aware prior to the next season what the expectation will be for national team members.”

PAGE 18, Thursday, August 31, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Sharapova wins another 3-setter at the US Open, No. 4 Zverev out

By HOWARD FENDRICH Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — No one, not even Maria Sharapova herself, knew quite what to expect from her return to Grand Slam tennis at the US Open.

It had been 19 months since she had entered a major tournament. She played only nine times anywhere since a 15-month doping suspension ended in April.

Two three-set tussles into her stay at Flushing Meadows, it’s clear that Sharapova’s game might be patchy, but she is as capable as ever of coming up with big strokes in big moments — and maybe, just maybe, could stick around for a while in a depleted draw.

Sharapova became the first woman into the third round at the US Open by using 12 aces to help set aside a poor start and coming back to beat Timea Babos of Hungary 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-1 yesterday in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“Look, I certainly have expectations, just because I know I’ve been in these stages before and I’ve been able to execute. There’s a certain level of ‘I know I can do this. I’ve done it before. I want to have that feeling again,’” Sharapova said.

“But there’s also the realistic understanding of, ‘OK, you haven’t been in this situation for a while. It’s going to take a little time.’ Of course, managing expectations is part of it, learning as you play the matches, which is something I haven’t done for a long time.”

Her victory was the highlight of a busy day that featured 87 singles matches on the schedule after rain washed out most play a day earlier. With so many

VENUS WILLIAMS, of the United States, returns to Oceane Dodin, of France.

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

MARIA SHARAPOVA, of Russia, reacts after scoring a point against Timea Babos, of Hungary, during the second round of the US Open tennis tournament yesterday.

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger) matches going on, there were plenty of names to keep tabs on, although few truly remarkable results.

The most noteworthy second-round loss was by No. 4 Alexander Zverev, a 20-year-old German who despite his lofty seeding and considerable potential has only once been as far as the fourth round at a major.

He was beaten by Borna Coric 3-6, 7-5, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (4).

Past U.S. Open champions advancing included

Venus Williams and Marin Cilic into the third round, and Juan Martin del Potro and Svetlana Kuznetsova — who saved three match points — into the second.

No. 14 Nick Kyrgios, No. 22 Fabio Fognini, No. 26 Richard Gasquet and No. 27 Pablo Cuevas all lost their openers.

In the early going, it looked as if Sharapova might join them on the way out. She made 19 unforced errors in the first set, which ended with her missing

twice on forehands to give the 59th-ranked Babos the lead.

But as the match went on, Sharapova looked more and more like someone who used to be ranked No. 1 and owns five major titles — including the 2006 US Open — than someone who needed a wild-card invitation from the US Tennis Association because she is now 146th, on account of her ban and lack of play.

Sharapova last participated in a major tournament at the 2016 Australian Open, where she tested positive for the newly banned heart drug meldonium. She declined to answer a reporter’s question about how frequently she’s been drugtested this year.

Babos said she thought it was “a little bit unfair for the other players” that Sharapova was let into the field, a sentiment echoed

by No. 20 seed CoCo Van-

JUAN Martin del Potro, of Argentina, wipes sweat from his face between serves against Henri Laaksonen, of Switzerland.

(AP Photo/Adam Hunger) deweghe of the US, who would have preferred that an American get that wild card.

But here Sharapova is, and she does not appear ready to be an easy out.

“Towards the end of the second set, I felt like I was the fresher player. Going into a third set, that’s a good position or a good feeling to have,” said the 30-year-old Russian, who wore a strip of black tape on the left forearm that bothered her earlier in the month.

She also had a sleeve on her right elbow, which she said was to keep that arm warm.

Sharapova cut down her miscues to 12 unforced errors in the second set, then just five in the third, and finished with a 39-13 advantage in winners, looking as strong as she did while eliminating No. 2 seed Simona Halep in a three-set thriller in Ashe on Monday.

“I definitely wanted to enjoy the quality of tennis that I played with the other night,” Sharapova said, “but I also wanted to put my mind onto this one.”

She already has spent nearly 5 hours on court, and so perhaps the yelling and fist-pumping she showed at the end against Babos were as much a reflection of a sense of relief as celebration.

If 14 return winners were a key to getting past Halep, it was Sharapova’s serving that really made a difference down the stretch against Babos: She won 16 of the last 19 points she served.

“In key moments, she showed why, no matter what happened to her, why she is a big player and good player,” Babos said, “because she came up with some very, very good shots and she didn’t miss her opportunities.”

Revenge: Joe Haden cut by Browns, to sign with Steelers

By TOM WITHERS Associated Press CLEVELAND (AP) — Joe Haden only needed a few hours to find a team that wanted him.

It’s a squad he’s very faamiliar with.

Goodbye, Cleveland. Hello, Pittsburgh.

Cut by the Browns after seven seasons, the two-time Pro Bowl cornerback agreed to terms yesterday with the rival Steelers, who are giving the 28-year-old a chance to exact some revenge on a team that doesn’t think he can play anymore.

Haden’s deal is pending a physical but would be worth three years and $27 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been signed.

Once Haden passes his physical, he’ll be on the other side of a once-heated rivalry that has become lopsided.

In seven seasons with Cleveland, Haden went just 2-12 against the Steelers and his signing will add some luster to this season’s opener when Pittsburgh visits Cleveland on September 10.

Instead of trying to cover Antonio Brown or intercept quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, he’ll be teammates with Big Ben and on a team with a legitimate chance at making the playoffs — or more.

The Browns are still rebuilding and they felt Haden had become too expensive and too injury prone. After failing to find a trade partner — Cleveland remains in search of a wide receiver — or convincing Haden to take a pay cut, they terminated his contract.

Under the five-year, $67.5 million extension he signed with Cleveland in 2014, Haden was due to make $11.1 million this season, $11.2 next year and $10.4 million in 2019. Releasing Haden cost the Browns $3.2 million in salary cap space this season and next season.

With the Browns, he was always assigned the opponent’s best wide receiver and more than held his own against Brown, Cincinnati’s AJ Green and others. He’s been slowed by injuries the past two seasons, but as late as Tuesday, Browns coach Hue Jackson was praising Haden’s performance this summer.

“Joe gave everything he had for the Cleveland Browns and that’s all you can ask for as a coach,” Jackson said in a statement. “He was a leader on and off the field. I wish him all the best as he continues his career.”

BENGALS outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict adjusts his helmet. (AP) JOE HADEN (AP) Haden played in just 18 games — he missed 11 in 2015 with a concussion — the past two seasons because of injuries, fighting to stay on the field each week last season despite a serious groin injury that required offseason surgery.

New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and his staff didn’t view Haden as an asset and will likely move veteran Jason McCourty into his starting spot alongside Jamar Taylor.

A former Florida standout, Haden was one of Cleveland’s most visible players. He often attended Cavaliers games and sat courtside to cheer on LeBron James and his teammates. Haden owned a sneaker store in downtown Cleveland, hosted youth camps in Northeast Ohio and in 2015 became the first professional football player to serve as a Special Olympics global ambassador.

Haden posted a thank you to Cleveland fans on his Instagram account.

“I would first like to take the time to thank the Browns fans all around the world from the bottom of my heart for making Cleveland a happy home for me for the past 7 years,” Haden wrote.

“I also want to thank the coaches, the organisation and especially my teammates who have become family. My God doesn’t make mistakes and I know the future is bright.”

Browns Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas reached out to Haden via Twitter.

“You will truly be missed my man!”

Thomas wrote. “You were always the consummate; teammate, professional, and friend. I wish you much success in the future!!”

Haden appeared in 90 games for the Browns, starting 81. He compiled 376 tackles, 101 passes defensed, 19 interceptions, forced four fumbles and four recovered fumbles. Last season, he recorded 48 tackles, 11 passes defensed and tied for a team high three interceptions.

Suspension for Bengals LB Burfict reduced to 3 games CINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict had his NFL suspension reduced from five to three games yesterday for his egregious hit on a Chiefs running back during a pre-season game.

During the second preseason game, Burfict levelled running back Anthony Sherman on a pass play when he wasn’t the intended target. The play wasn’t penalised, but the league can impose fines or suspensions after reviewing plays.

Burfict originally got a five-game suspension but challenged it. Appeals officer James Thrash reduced it to three games on Wednesday.

Burfict will miss home games against the Ravens and Texans and a road game with the Packers. He’ll be eligible to return for a game in Cleveland on October 1.

It’s the second straight season he’s suspended for the first three games. He was punished last season for his hit to Antonio Brown’s head during a 2015 playoff loss to the Steelers. That punishment was due in part to his history of egregious hits.

Burfict’s hit on Brown moved the Steelers in range for a last-minute field goal

and an 18-16 victory in the opening round of the playoffs.

The meltdown left the Bengals without a playoff victory since 1990, the sixth-longest streak of futility in NFL history.

In a letter to Burfict notifying him of the latest three-game penalty, the league noted his pattern of hits on defenseless players, including one on Ravens tight end Maxx Williams that drew a $50,000 fine.

“This is not your first offence with respect to illegal hits to defenceless players,” wrote Jon Runyan, the league’s vice president of football operations.

“To the contrary, this incident is consistent with your pattern of egregious safety-related violations, including your hit on a defenceless player during the 2015 wild-card game and your hit against a Baltimore tight end away from the play on January 3, 2016.

“When players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, and particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player ... you must be held accountable for this continuing unacceptable conduct.”

The Bengals have staunchly defended Burfict.

They supported his appeal of the suspension, contending his hit on Sherman wasn’t a technical violation of the league’s player safety rules.

In response, the league cited its rules banning unnecessary contact against defenceless players and those who aren’t involved in the flow of the play.

Sherman was coming out of the backfield on a throw down the field to a different player when Burfict lowered his shoulder and levelled him.

In defending Burfict on Tuesday, coach Marvin Lewis said the linebacker has changed.

Lewis cited several other plays in the same preseason game when Burfict followed the rules.

“On the very next play, the quarterback scrambles, Vontaze runs over and jumps over Alex Smith when he slides,” Lewis said.

“The very next play after that, the back goes to the flat and he’s going down for a first down. Vontaze is in coverage and instead of diving in or ‘spearing’ in, he touches him down and jumps over him out of bounds.”