In brief: Washington QB Cyler Miles apologizes
FOOTBALL: Washington quarterback Cyler Miles apologized Wednesday for his involvement in an off-field incident after the Super Bowl that led to his suspension for the Huskies’ season opener at Hawaii.
He was investigated for his role in a Super Bowl night fight that included former teammate Damore’ea Stringfellow, who was dismissed from the program. Miles was suspended for spring practice. He was reinstated to the team after not being charged by prosecutors.
Miles apologized reading a prepared statement after practice, then said the suspension for the opener by coach Chris Petersen was a fair punishment.
Miles was the presumptive starter going into 2014 after appearing in eight games with one start last season, throwing for 418 yards and four touchdowns and running for another 200 yards. While he may eventually be the best fit for the offense Petersen wants to run, he’s essentially in last place in the competition to be the starter.
Either redshirt freshman Troy Williams or sophomore Jeff Lindquist will likely be the starter to open the season on Aug. 30.
“Things happen and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Miles said. “I messed up big time, and I’m willing to face the consequences and do everything in my power to gain the respect back of Husky fans, my teammates and Coach Pete.”
Miles’ first action could come Sept. 6 in Washington’s home opener against FCS power Eastern Washington, but Petersen has cautioned it would be presumptive to assume Miles will step in as the starter after the first week.
• Nova at QB vs. Cougars: Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said that senior Gary Nova will start at quarterback for the Scarlet Knights.
Nova has thrown for 6,407 yards, 51 touchdowns and 39 interceptions in his career. Rutgers opens the season against Washington State in Seattle on Aug. 28.
• MSU receiver likely done: Montana State wide receiver David Dash suffered what is likely a career-ending knee injury during the second day of fall drills. Dash, an upcoming senior, was in the running to start for the Bobcats.
• Fields announces transfer: Suspended TCU defensive end Devonte Fields posted on his Twitter account he plans to transfer to Stephen F. Austin, an FCS school where the preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year could be eligible to play this season. Fields last month surrendered to authorities on a misdemeanor assault warrant amid allegations that he threatened his ex-girlfriend and punched her.
Adrian wins 100 free; Phelps next-to-last
SWIMMING: Nathan Adrian led all the way to win the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. national championships, with Michael Phelps finishing next-to-last in a star-studded field in Irvine, California.
Adrian touched in 48.31 seconds, Ryan Lochte was second in 48.96 and Jimmy Feigen third in 48.98.
Phelps was last at the turn and straggled home in 49.17.
Conor Dwyer took fourth, joining the top three on the U.S. team for the Pan Pacific championships later this month in Australia.
• Franklin rallies for win: Missy Franklin surged over the last lap to win the 100-meter freestyle at the U.S. national championships.
Franklin touched in 53.43 seconds, tying for the fifth-fastest time in the world this year. Simone Manuel, finished second in 53.66 and Shannon Vreeland was third.
Watson adds Stricker to Ryder Cup team
GOLF: Steve Stricker will be one of Tom Watson’s assistants at the Ryder Cup.
Stricker will be one of three U.S. assistant captains working under Watson, who had previously announced Andy North and Raymond Floyd.
Stricker has been a stalwart in team competitions, playing three times in the Ryder Cup and five times at the Presidents Cup. He quickly accepted Watson’s offer as the U.S. tries to reclaim the Ryder Cup from Europe Sept. 26-28 at Gleneagles in Scotland.
• PGA dates changed: The PGA Championship will shift to late July instead of its usual early August start in 2016 as golf prepares to return to the Summer Olympics.
The move was announced by the PGA of America, which will stage the 2016 edition July 28-31 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey.
Knicks get Acy, Outlaw from Kings
MISCELLANY: The New York Knicks acquired forwards Quincy Acy and Travis Outlaw from the Sacramento Kings for guard Wayne Ellington and forward Jeremy Tyler.
Also, New York reduced the protection on a 2016 second-round draft pick it sent to Portland in 2012 and the Kings later acquired from the Trail Blazers.
• NHL outdoor game set: The San Jose Sharks will host the Los Angeles Kings in an outdoor game at Levi’s Stadium this season.
The Pacific Division rivals will meet on Feb. 21. The 49ers’ new $1.2 billion stadium beat out the San Francisco Giants’ cozier confines at AT&T Park.