SPORTS digest

OHSAA reverses Lake Catholic decision

COLUMBUS

Reversing last week’s decision to declare the game a “no contest,” the Ohio High School Athletic Association has awarded a varsity football victory to Toledo St. John’s Jesuit after its opponent, Mentor Lake Catholic, canceled the game late last week.

The game was scheduled for last Saturday, but Lake Catholic cancelled the game on Thursday after dozens of student-athletes were suspended by the school for an incident during the summer.

Lake Catholic, which was scheduled to host the game, initially declared it would forfeit to St. John’s Jesuit, however OHSAA general sports regulations explain that a game that isn’t played is actually a “no contest” while a forfeiture occurs only after a game has been played and the winning team is found to have committed a major infraction, such as using an ineligible player or exceeding the contest limitations, etc.

“We have a clause in our football regulations that allows the Commissioner’s Office to determine whether the date is treated as a ‘no contest’ or a forfeiture,” said Beau Rugg, OHSAA Assistant Commissioner and football administrator. “We appreciate Mentor Lake Catholic investigating the incident and taking disciplinary action, but there were options available to still allow the game to be played.

“In the past, we have worked with schools to stagger groups of suspensions over a couple weeks in similar situations. The reality of canceling a varsity football game can hurt the other team more than the team canceling the game.”

Harbaugh clarifies Kaepernick comment

SAN FRANCISCO

Many aren’t thrilled with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s strong words about why he won’t stand for the national anthem.

Kaepernick said he wants to instigate change and challenge authority when it comes to race relations and what he considers police brutality.

His former coach, outspoken Michigan leader Jim Harbaugh, chimed in from afar in disagreement with Kaepernick’s tactics — clarifying some earlier remarks that questioned the quarterback’s motivation.

“I apologize for misspeaking my true sentiments. To clarify, I support Colin’s motivation. It’s his method of action that I take exception to,” Harbaugh posted on Twitter.

Kaepernick, who has sat through the anthem for all three 49ers preseason games so far, is prepared to keep fighting for what he believes in — even alone.

“The fact that it has blown up like this, I think it’s a good thing. It brings awareness,” Kaepernick said Sunday. “Now, I think people are really talking about it. Having conversations about how to make change. What’s really going on in this country. And we can move forward. ...There is police brutality. People of color have been targeted by police.”

Djokovic’s arm injured at Open

NEW YORK

Novak Djokovic double-faulted, then shook his right arm and grimaced.

Seconds later Monday night, a weak serve produced a wince, then was followed by a missed forehand that gave away a set in the defending champion’s first-round match at the U.S. Open.

While he managed to emerge with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 victory over Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, there were plenty of signs of trouble, starting with a visit from a trainer who massaged Djokovic’s bothersome arm after only five games.

Asked about his health during an on-court interview, Djokovic deflected the question, saying, “I don’t think it’s necessary to talk about this now. I’m through. I’m taking it day by day.”

Earlier in Arthur Ashe Stadium, another two-time U.S. Open champion, Rafael Nadal, stood near the net after winning his first Grand Slam match in three months — 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 against Denis Istomin — and unraveled the thick wrap of white tape protecting his all-important left wrist. He said he’s still not back to hitting his forehand the way he does when he’s at his best.

Staff/wire report