Autograph broker says he paid Johnny Manziel to sign items
An East Coast autograph broker said Tuesday that Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel was paid $7,500 for signing about 300 mini- and full-sized helmets on Jan. 11-12 while he was attending an event in Connecticut, ESPN reported.
The broker played two cellphone videos for ESPN showing Manziel signing white Texas A&M helmets and footballs laid out on a bed in a hotel room. The video does not show Manziel accepting any money.
The broker said the room was at the Omni in New Haven during the Walter Camp Football Foundation event. He said the signing took place at three times on Jan. 11-12, totaling about an hour.
ETC.
Venus Williams loses in Toronto
Venus Williams lost in her first match in more than two months, falling, 0-6, 6-4, 6-2, to Kirsten Flipkens in the Rogers Cup at Toronto.
Williams lost in the first round of the French Open on May 26. The 33-year-old Williams also missed Wimbledon, after 16 consecutive appearances, because of a lower-back injury.
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Next week, for the first time in 40 years of ATP rankings, there will be no American men in the top 20.
That’s because John Isner, who is 20th this week, is assured of dropping after losing Tuesday in the first round of the Rogers Cup at Montreal to Vasek Pospisil of Canada, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4).
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San Diego Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in practice and will be lost for the season.
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Tony Stewart underwent successful surgery to repair the broken right tibia and fibula he suffered in a sprint car race in Iowa.
Stewart will need a second surgery and remains hospitalized. There was no timetable for the three-time Sprint Cup champion’s return.
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Eastlake of Chula Vista, Calif., defeated Dixie, Utah, 11-3, in the Little League Baseball West Regional at San Bernardino.
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Forward Michael Beasley, who vowed when he joined the Phoenix Suns a year ago that his marijuana problems were in the past, was arrested by Scottsdale, Ariz., police after they found what they believe to be marijuana in his car.
Beasley, a five-year NBA veteran, was arrested early Tuesday following a traffic stop, according to Officer David Pubins.
Beasley was released after being cited for investigation of one felony count each of marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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