SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017 SPORTS

Kevin Durant apologizes St Louis Cardinals ask for Wu wins 30-hole match, for India comments help in finding rally cat reaches US Amateur semis

SAN FRANCISCO: Basketball star Kevin Durant has issued an apology for ST LOUIS: The St. Louis Cardinals are looking for their rally cat. The CHULA VISTA: Chia Yen Wu advanced to the semifinals of the US calling India “20 years behind” and several other comments about the feisty feline became an internet sensation Wednesday night, sprint- Women’s Amateur after rolling in a par putt on the 12th playoff hole to Asian country. The Golden State Warriors forward tweeted on Friday that ing onto the field at Busch Stadium with the bases loaded for the win the longest 18-hole match in USGA history on Friday night. The 13- he’s “sorry that my comments about India were taken out of context.” Cardinals with two outs in the sixth inning. The cat emerged from year-old Wu made the putt after Lauren Stephenson’s putt lipped out. It Durant said he plans to return to India to run more bas- near the visitors’ dugout on the third-base side and raced into the was their fourth time playing the 407-yard 18th hole at the San Diego ketball camps and meant no disrespect. Durant traveled outfield, the fur on its tail standing on end. Royals center fielder Country Club. Wu’s 69-foot birdie putt on the 26th hole highlighted the to India recently and spoke about the trip in an interview Lorenzo Cain stood, smiling, with a hand on his hip as the cat sprint- match. She will face Texas senior Sophia Schubert, a 3-and-1 with The Athletic website published this week. ed past him. Kansas City was leading 5-4 at the time and play was winner over Mexico’s Isabella Fierro. Two of the top five play- In the interview, Durant marveled at the “cows in the delayed for a couple minutes while the grounds crew collected the ers in the women’s world amateur rankings will square off in street, monkeys running around everywhere, hundreds cat. On the first pitch after play resumed, Yadier Molina hit a grand the other semifinal as No. 3 Albane Valenzuela and fifth- of people on the side of the road” and visible poverty. slam off Peter Moylan to give the Cardinals an 8-5 lead. The cat was ranked Lilia Kha-Tu Vu each won their matches 4 and 3. “It’s a country that’s 20 years behind in terms of knowl- instantly dubbed #RallyCat on Twitter, and St. Louis went on to win - UCLA’s Vu had pars on 13 of 15 holes to beat 14-year-old edge and experience,” he said, adding that his visit to its fifth victory in a row. The Cardinals said Thursday that a fan Lucy Li. The match between Valenzuela and Robynn Ree was the Taj Mahal was eye-opening and not what he’d grabbed the cat after its grounds crew employee put the animal all square through eight holes but Valenzuela made five imagined.—AP down to receive treatment for scratches and bites.—AP straight pars for a 2-up lead and birdied No. 14. — AP Ezekiel Elliott suspended 6 games in domestic case

DALLAS : The NFL suspended star Dallas dence regarding the nature and sub- Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott for stance of conversations, there is no dis- six games Friday, concluding after a year- pute that you and Ms. Thompson were long investigation that the league’s lead- together in the same location on the ing rusher injured his former girlfriend in dates identified, and no evidence to sug- three separate incidents last summer. gest that anyone else could have caused According to the letter Elliott received these injuries,” the letter said. informing him of the suspension, the Cowboys owner had main- NFL believed he used “physical force” tained he hadn’t seen anything to indi- three times in a span of five days in a cate Elliott was guilty of domestic vio- Columbus, Ohio, apartment last July lence and he didn’t think his star back resulting in injuries to Tiffany would be suspended. Jones made the Thompson’s face, neck, shoulders, arms, comments several times, including dur- hands, wrists, hips and knees. She was ing festivities last weekend when he was his girlfriend at the time. inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Prosecutors in Columbus decided Fame. The ruling potentially could put nearly a year ago not to pursue the case Goodell and Jones, a strong supporter of in the city where Elliott starred for Ohio the commissioner, at odds the same way State. In announcing the suspension Goodell clashed with New England own- under the NFL’s personal conduct policy, er Robert Kraft over last year’s four-game the league said its investigation was suspension for quarterback Tom Brady based on photographs, text messages over the “Deflategate” controversy. and other electronic evidence. The NFL revised its personal conduct Commissioner Roger Goodell made his policy in 2014 following sharp criticism decision based on the findings and in of a case involving former Baltimore run- consultation with four advisers, including ning back Ray Rice. The policy gave Hall of Fame player Ken Houston. Goodell authority to suspend players for Elliott’s ban means the Cowboys will at least six games in domestic cases, with have four players suspended when last or without a conviction. year’s NFC East champions start the sea- son in a month - with the possibility of OFF-FIELD ISSUES losing two more. Elliott has had a string of off-field The 22-year-old Elliot has three days issues in the year since the Cowboys to appeal the ruling, which his legal team made him the fourth overall pick in the said he would do while blasting the deci- 2016 draft. He was seen in a legal mari- sion. “The NFL’s findings are replete with juana shop during the preseason in factual inaccuracies and erroneous con- Seattle last year and was also involved in KANSAS CITY: wide receiver Tevin Jones (6) catches a 2-point conversion against defensive back J.R. clusions and it ‘cherry picks’ so-called evi- a bar fight in Dallas a week before train- Nelson (30) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday. —AP dence to support its conclusion while ing camp this year. The NFL’s letter to ignoring other critical evidence,” attor- Elliott cited the Ohio case as well as an neys Frank Salzano and Scott Rosenblum incident this past spring when Elliott was NFL said in a joint statement. “During the caught on video pulling down a woman’s upcoming weeks and through the shirt while watching a St. Patrick’s Day appeal, a slew of additional credible and parade in Dallas. Smith, Mahomes solid before controverting evidence will come to While the league said the St. Patrick’s light.” Day incident wasn’t part of the decision If Goodell’s ruling stands, Elliott will on discipline, it reflected poorly on 49ers rally past Chiefs, 27-17 go on the suspended list the first week of Elliott. “You should understand, however, the regular season and be eligible to that your behavior during this event was return to the active roster Oct. 23. His inappropriate and disturbing, and KANSAS CITY: Alex Smith led the Chiefs to a all of them will be ready for the regular season. the secondary with FS Jimmie Ward (hamstring) first possible game would be Week 8 at reflected a lack of respect for women,” quick touchdown and first-round pick Patrick on the PUP list and CB Dontae Johnson sidelined Washington. Todd Jones wrote. “When viewed togeth- Mahomes II had an impressive debut, before the SUFFERING NINERS with a concussion. DT DeForest Buckner left er with the July incidents, it suggests a San Francisco backups led the 49ers to a 27 -17 The 49ers were without a pair of starters in after the first series with an ankle injury.— AP NEEDS COUNSELING pattern of poor judgment and behavior victory over Kansas City in their preseason open- The ruling requires Elliott to get an for which effective intervention is neces- er Friday night. evaluation to determine whether he sary for your personal and professional Smith hit speedster for a 32-yard Bills trade Watkins to Rams, needs counseling or treatment, and to welfare.” gain on the first play of the game, and capped a 75-yard march with a short TD show proof that he is following up on An All-Pro as a rookie, Elliott finished run to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead. get Matthews from Eagles any recommendations. NFL special coun- with 1,631 yards rushing in helping the It was the only series for Smith, who finished sel for conduct Todd Jones wrote in the Cowboys to the best record in the NFC at 4 of 6 for 48 yards. ORCHARD PARK: The ’ offseason team, we have to refocus, do whatever it letter to Elliott that advisers “were of the 13-3 before a divisional playoff loss to Mahomes checked in for the first time late in overhaul isn’t over yet now that receiver takes to win games.” Watkins’ future in view that there is substantial and persua- Green Bay. He set rookie franchise the second quarter, drawing perhaps the and cornerback Ronald Buffalo was already in question after the Bills sive evidence supporting a finding that records for yards, rushing touchdowns biggest roar of the night. The 10th overall draft Darby became the latest players to be sent declined to pick up his fifth-year contract (Elliott) engaged in physical violence (15) and total touchdowns (16). pick had a long completion wiped out by a packing. The Bills dealt both starters in sepa- option in May. Matthews is also entering the against Ms Thompson on multiple occa- The NFL’s letter tried to offer Elliott penalty on his first play, but later capitalized on a rate blockbuster trades on Friday in an effort final season of his contract. When healthy, sions during the week of July 16, 2016.” some encouragement. “While this is a blocked punt with a short touchdown throw to to reshape the roster under new coach Sean Watkins showed glimpses of being a dynam- Last September, the office of Columbus serious matter, it by no means suggests a fellow rookie Marcus Kemp. McDermott. ic threat since Buffalo gave up a 2015 first- City Attorney Richard Pfeiffer cited con- belief that you cannot have a long and Mahomes was 7 of 9 for 49 yards as he duels Watkins was traded to the Los Angeles round pick to trade up five spots and select flicting and inconsistent information in productive career in the NFL,” the letter with Tyler Bray for the No. 2 job. San Francisco Rams, while Darby was sent to the him fourth overall in 2014. He has 153 catch- the evidence in deciding against criminal said. “Our goal is for you to have as suc- rookie C.J. Beathard hit Kendrick Bourne for a 46- . Buffalo addressed both es for 2,459 yards and 17 touchdowns in charges. Pfeiffer’s office declined com- cessful a career as possible.” yard TD pass in the fourth quarter, then found positions by acquiring receiver Jordan three seasons, but topped 1,000 yards just ment Friday. Three Dallas defensive ends will start him for a tying two-point conversion. The Chiefs Matthews from Philadelphia and cornerback once, in 2015. Peter Harvey, one of the advisers to the seasons with suspensions. Randy promptly fumbled the ball back and Beathard E.J. Gaines from the Rams. The Bills also con- Watkins has been hampered by an assort- Goodell, said the NFL had access to Gregory will miss at least the entire regu- added a short TD pass to Tyler McCloskey with tinued looking to the future by further stock- ment of injuries and limited to playing just forensic electronic evidence that prose- lar season for multiple violations of the 10:41 left to give the 49ers the lead for good. piling 2018 draft selections. They acquired a eight games last season after having surgery cutors didn’t have. Harvey said an exam- NFL’s substance-abuse policy. David Beathard, a third-round pick, outplayed both second-round pick from L.A. and a third- for a broken left foot. He required a second ple was proof that photographs were Irving is out four games (performance- quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart. rounder from the Eagles, while also sending operation in January after aggravating the Brian Hoyer did little to make new 49ers coach taken by Thompson the same day she enhancing drugs) and Damontre Moore a sixth -round pick to the Rams. Buffalo now injury last season. Kyle Shanahan feel good about giving the long- alleged that she was injured by Elliott. will sit two games (substance abuse). has two picks in each of the first three rounds He joins a revamped group of receivers on time NFL journeyman the starting job at the next year after acquiring the Kansas City a Rams offense that has ranked last in the Harvey also said some of the explana- Two more defensive players could onset of training camp. He was 1 of 4 for three Chiefs first-round selection in April. NFL in each of the past two seasons. Buffalo tions offered by Elliott’s representatives, face suspensions. Linebacker Damien yards in two offensive series, going three-and- The additional picks provide Bills general is also retooling its receiver position, with the including that Thompson was injured in Wilson faces aggravated assault charges out on both of them. manager Brandon Beane assets in a draft trade coming four days after signing veteran a fight with a woman or by falling down in the Dallas suburb of Frisco over a dis- Barkley was first off the bench and led San that looks as if it will have several top-end free agent Anquan Boldin . stairs, weren’t supported by evidence. “It pute involving a parking space, and cor- Francisco to a pair of field goals, playing roughly quarterback prospects. Bills starter Tyrod Matthews was Philadelphia’s most pro- is also important to note that, while nerback Nolan Carroll was arrested on a two quarters. He was 10 of 17 for 168 yards with- Taylor’s future is uncertain beyond this sea- ductive receiver, averaging 75 catches, 891 there may be conflicting testimonial evi- drunken-driving charge in Dallas. —AP out any major mistakes. son. McDermott acknowledged his most dif- receiving yards and six touchdowns in his Bray was first off the bench for Kansas City. ficult challenge was not merely breaking the first three seasons. But the Eagles signed He had an 83-yard TD pass to Chris Conley news of Watkins’ departure to Taylor. free-agent receivers Alshon Jeffery and wiped out by offensive pass interference, then “I’ll take it a step further: How do you sell Torrey Smith and drafted Mack Hollins and had an errant throw picked off. The fifth-year it to the entire team?” McDermott said, Shelton Gibson. The key for Philadelphia was quarterback, who has yet to appear in a regular- before outlining his message. “You put one adding a starting-caliber cornerback in season game, finished 5 of 8 for 63 yards. step in front of the other and we move on,” Darby to a defense that plays in the pass- he said. “I asked them to continue to trust me happy NFC East. HYDE’S BACKUP and our decisions in terms of what we’re “It’s a corner-deficient league. It’s hard to Running back Carlos Hyde carried twice for doing.” Just don’t call it a rebuilding plan , find those guys,” Eagles executive vice presi- San Francisco before giving way to Matt Breida Beane said. dent of football operations and Joe Williams, a pair of rookies competing for “This is not a throw-in-the-towel thing at said. “And teams that have them aren’t really the No. 2 job. Williams appeared to do more with all,” Beane said. “If we were throwing in the ready to move them.” Darby started 29 fewer chances, showing impressive burst in the towel, I wouldn’t be trying to get that start- games since the Bills selected him in the sec- open field. ing receiver back.” The deals, however, ond round of the 2015 draft. Gaines was a involve more changes to a team with just 28 valuable defensive back in the Rams’ rota- FICKEN DOES KICKIN players who opened training camp on tion. He won a starting job in 2015, but then Sam Ficken handled kicking duties for Kansas Buffalo’s roster a year ago. The Bills also have got hurt before the season started. He City while Cairo Santos deals with a groin injury. just 14 players whom they’ve drafted, not became expendable after the Rams acquired The former Penn State star hit a 45-yard field including this year’s six-player class. Kayvon Webster this offseason, who is goal in the third quarter. pegged to start opposite Trumaine Johnson. AILING CHIEFS: All-Pro S Eric Berry did not suit DECLINED McDermott is aware how the trades have up after missing several practices with a heel The trades caught Bills players by surprise the potential of setting back Buffalo’s pre- injury. He was joined on the sideline by DE Chris a day after a 17-10 preseason-opening loss paredness at a time the franchise is in the Jones, LB Tamba Hali and NT Bennie Logan, all of to Minnesota. “It’s tough to lose a guy like midst of a 17-year playoff drought - the whom are dealing with knee injuries. TE Travis Sammy,” Taylor said. “We have to put a posi- longest active streak in North America’s four Kelce also was out with swelling in his knee. tive lining. It’s a win now league. And as a major professional sports.—AP Ezekiel Elliott Chiefs coach has been optimistic that