Leaf sentenced to lockdown addiction treatment

NFL: Former NFL and Washington State University quarterback Ryan Leaf could spend 15 months locked down in Montana, first in a secure drug treatment facility and then in a pre-release living center as part of a judge’s sentence following Leaf’s guilty plea for breaking into a house and illegally possessing painkillers.

District Judge Kenneth Neill sentenced Leaf on Tuesday to seven years with the Department of Corrections, with two years suspended if he abides by the conditions. Neill recommended that Leaf’s sentence start with nine months at the Nexus Treatment Center in Lewistown, which he would be unable to leave, followed by time in a pre-release center.

Leaf’s attorney said he expects the 36-year-old Leaf to spend six months in the pre-release center if he successfully completes the treatment. At that point, he could be eligible for monitored release.

Leaf, who was shackled hand and foot, told the judge he was humiliated and embarrassed for himself and his family and added that jail “has been a sanctuary” since his April arrest.

Associated Press

Secretariat keeps winning

Horse racing: Secretariat wins again.

More than 39 years since the super horse won the Preakness on his way to a Triple Crown, the Maryland Racing Commission ruled that he had actually set what was then a track record and is still a race record by traversing the 1 3/16 miles in 1:53.

Secretariat now holds race records in all three Triple Crown races.

“It’s nice to finally have this recognized, because the sport depends on accuracy,” Penny Chenery, who pushed for the adjustment to the time, said.

“This probably won’t change the way people feel about Secretariat, but it’s nice to get it right.”

The electronic scoreboard at Pimlico had originally timed the colt in 1:55, which immediately raised flags.

Several hand clockers from the Daily Racing Form reported timing the run at 1:53 2/5, which would have been a record. But the track’s official timer, who was also working in crowd control on the day of that race, recorded a time of 1:54 2/5.

Baltimore Sun