Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Blue Jays sign All-Star RHP Jeff Hoffman to three-year deal
The Toronto Blue Jays signed All-Star right-hander Jeff Hoffman to a reported three-year, $33 million deal on Friday. The Blue Jays announced the deal with the reliever who was a first-round draft pick (ninth overall) by the team in 2014. He was traded to the Colorado Rockies at the 2015 trade deadline as part of the package when Toronto acquired Troy Tulowitzki.
Tennis-Bencic taking parenting tips from Federer after returning to tour
Returning to the tennis circuit as a new parent can pose plenty of challenges but Belinda Bencic said on Saturday she hoped to learn from the experiences of fellow Swiss Roger Federer. Bencic and her partner, fitness trainer Martin Hromkovic, welcomed their daughter Bella in April before the Tokyo Olympic champion returned to action in October, playing in the Billie Jean King Cup and a few lower level tournaments.
NFL-League donates $5 million to support Los Angeles wildfire relief
NFL teams and the league's charitable arm are donating a combined $5 million to support those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, the NFL said on Friday, as the region reels from the devastating infernos. Multiple fires have killed 10 people so far and razed thousands of homes, throwing daily life into chaos across the sprawling metropolis this week.
Two fans who interfered in World Series banned indefinitely
Following up on an ugly incident during the World Series, Major League Baseball banned two fans indefinitely from all stadiums and facilities. John P. Hansen and Austin Capobianco, seated in the first row at Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium in New York, tried to prevent Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts from catching a foul ball hit by Gleyber Torres of the Yankees in the first inning. One attempted to rip the ball from Betts' glove, and the other grabbed Betts' wrist.
Tennis-Monfils becomes oldest player to win ATP title with Auckland victory
Gael Monfils beat Zizou Bergs 6-3 6-4 in the Auckland Classic final on Saturday to become the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title in a boost before his Australian Open campaign. At 38 years and four months, the flashy Frenchman eclipsed Roger Federer, who was 38 years and two months when he won in Basel in 2019.
Dolphins dismiss two, including WR coach Wes Welker
The Miami Dolphins fired special teams coordinator Danny Crossman on Friday as well as wide receivers coach and pass game specialist Wes Welker. Crossman, 57, had been with the Dolphins since 2019 and had been the special teams coordinator since 2022. He has been an NFL coach since 2003 with the Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills before arriving in Miami.
Pelicans F Zion Williamson draws one-game team suspension
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson was suspended for Friday night's road game against the Philadelphia 76ers for a violation of team policies, vice president of operations David Griffin announced. According to ESPN, Williamson was late for Thursday's flight to Philadelphia with the rest of the traveling party waiting for a lengthy time period.
NBA-Lakers' coach Redick in shock after losing home to LA wildfires
Lakers head coach JJ Redick got emotional on Friday while describing losing his family's home in the Pacific Palisades to a ferocious wildfire that turned much of the Los Angeles community to ash. Redick's wife and two sons were away from the home when it burned down on Tuesday and he said he was stunned when he witnessed the aftermath of the blaze early Wednesday morning.
Broncos coach Sean Payton: "Exciting to still be playing"
For the first time in four years, Sean Payton is headed to the playoffs, and the Denver Broncos coach is realizing he missed the experience. The seventh-seeded Broncos (10-7) visit the second-seeded Buffalo Bills (13-4) in an AFC wild-card game on Sunday.
Tennis-Alcaraz reaping rewards of rivalry with Sinner
Four-times Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz said having a rival like world number one Jannik Sinner was good for his game as it pushes him to be at his best every time he walks on court. Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon titles last year while Sinner claimed the Australian Open and U.S. Open trophies as the pair heralded a new era for the men's game by shutting out 24-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
