Reuters Sports News Summary
Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Players' union and NFL at odds over Adrian Peterson
The NFL players' union filed a grievance against the league on Monday seeking to immediately reinstate the Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson, who pleaded guilty in a child abuse case, but the NFL said it still planned to review the case for possible discipline. The NFL Players Association said an agreement with the league in September called for the running back to be removed from the commissioner's exempt list once his case was settled.
Hopkins says not ready to hang up gloves
Bernard Hopkins will return to the ring despite suffering a crushing defeat over the weekend to Russian Sergey Kovalev, the 49-year-old former champion told Reuters on Tuesday. Hopkins, who failed to win a round on any of the three judges' scorecards in the light-heavyweight title unification bout, ended speculation of his retirement by saying he will fight "one more time."
Classy Federer on brink of semis, Murray stays afloat
Roger Federer's class shone like a beacon over the murky waters of round-robin tennis with a 6-3 6-2 defeat of Kei Nishikori at the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday before Andy Murray stayed afloat by defeating Milos Raonic. The 33-year-old Swiss maestro, bidding for a seventh title at the ATP's year-ending shootout, oozed confidence as he racked up his second consecutive victory in Group B.
Eagles soar to big win over toothless Panthers
The Philadelphia Eagles jumped all over a clumsy Carolina Panthers early to provide the platform for a dominant 45-21 triumph on Monday, giving quarterback Mark Sanchez a win in his first Eagles start. The Panthers committed two turnovers on their first three plays from scrimmage via a fumble and interception to set the tone for an inept road display.
Scott has 'score to settle' with McIlroy at Australian Open
Adam Scott says he has a "score to settle" with Rory McIlroy when they clash at the Australian Open in Sydney in two weeks. Scott missed a chance for a perfect ending to 2013 when he bogeyed the final hole of last year's Open at Royal Sydney to allow McIlroy to capture the historic Stonehaven Cup when the Northern Irishman holed a 16-foot birdie putt at the same hole.
Ex-NFL defensive back Orlando Thomas dies of ALS
Former Minnesota Vikings safety Orlando Thomas, who played with the team for all seven of his NFL seasons and led the league in interceptions during his rookie season in 1995, has died at age 42, the club said on Monday. Thomas, a defensive back, died on Sunday night of ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
All Stars expect MLB playoff atmosphere in Japan Series
American League Rookie of the Year finalist Matt Shoemaker will start for the Major League Baseball All Stars against Japan on Wednesday and the LA Angels pitcher expects a playoff-like atmosphere throughout their five-games series. A contingent of 29 players from MLB arrived in Japan on Sunday along with Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell for the series, which starts at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka on Wednesday.
Showalter, Williams win Manager of the Year awards
The neighboring teams were not able to book a Beltway World Series, but their skippers swept the Manager of the Year awards as Matt Williams of the Nationals and Buck Showalter of the Orioles won the honors on Tuesday. Showalter, who steered Baltimore to their first division title in 17 years, won the American League award for a third time, joining Hall of Famer Tony La Russa as the only managers to claim the honor with three different teams.
South Africa withdraws case against suspect in soccer captain's murder
South Africa on Tuesday freed a suspect in the killing of national soccer team captain Senzo Meyiwa due to a lack of evidence, the latest high-profile murder case in which police and prosecutors have struggled to build an air-tight case. Police arrested Zanokuhle Mbatha late last month after witnesses picked him out in an identity parade, but on Tuesday magistrate Daniel Thulare said there was not enough evidence to try him.
Abreu, deGrom win Rookie of the Year honors
Chicago White Sox slugging first baseman Jose Abreu and New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom won Rookie of the Year honors in their respective leagues in voting results announced on Monday. Abreu, 27, was a unanimous choice for the American League award capturing all 30 first-place votes for 150 points from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
