James opts out of deal, will stay put
NBA: For the third time in six seasons, LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent.
The difference this time is he has no plans to move again.
The Cleveland star will not exercise a $21.6 million option on his contract for next season, a person with knowledge of the decision told the Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because neither the Cavaliers nor James were publicly discussing the process.
James’ decision allows him to sign a new maximum contract – likely another two-year deal with a player option for 2017-18 – that will pay him more than he would have made under his previous contract. His max number for next season, which is tied to how high the salary cap rises, is expected to be over $22 million.
James plans to stay put while Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and GM David Griffin set about improving the roster to help James end Cleveland’s 51-year championship drought.
The Cavaliers have plenty of decisions to make and negotiations to conduct for free agents Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson and Iman Shumpert.
English goalkeeper will likely play
Soccer: The swelling below English goalkeeper Karen Bardsley’s right eye has gone down substantially, leaving coach Mark Sampson confident she will be available to play in the Women’s World Cup semifinal against Japan on Wednesday in Edmonton, Alberta.
Sampson said team officials still believe the swelling was caused by an allergic reaction. Without specifying what, Sampson says tests have been conducted and information sent to England for analysis.
• FIFA election monitor wants clarity: FIFA election monitor Domenico Scala has urged Sepp Blatter to state clearly he is leaving as president.
Scala calls in a statement for “all concerned – including Mr. Blatter” to endorse “unequivocally the announced changing of the guard at the top of FIFA.”
Blatter announced his planned exit on June 2 amid American and Swiss federal investigations of corruption.
Blatter has since fueled speculation he wants to continue at world football’s governing body by saying he technically did not resign.
Storm lose to Tulsa, fall to 2-7 on season
Miscellany: Riquna Williams’ step-back jumper put Tulsa up by two points with 10.9 seconds left, and the Shock held off the visiting Seattle Storm 93-89 for their eighth straight victory.
Ramu Tokashiki and Jewell Loyd each had 21 points for the Storm (2-7).
• Kings waive Richards: The Los Angeles Kings placed forward Mike Richards on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the remaining five years of his contract.
Also, Montreal forward P.A. Parenteau and Anaheim defenseman Mark Fistric have also been placed on waivers.
• Serbia women win first title: Ana Dabovic scored 25 points and Sonja Petrovic added 22 to help Serbia beat France 76-68 for its first women’s EuroBasket title – qualifying them for next year’s Olympics in Rio.