SPORTS DIGEST || Cavs extend qualifying offer to Dellavedova

Cavs extend qualifying offer to Dellavedova

CLEVELAND

The NBA champion Cavaliers have made a qualifying offer to popular backup point guard Matthew Dellavedova, making him a restricted free agent.

Dellavedova is expected to draw interest from other teams once free agency begins, and depending on how much he’s offered, the Cavs could face a tough decision on whether to re-sign the Australian. The 25-year-old had a solid third season with Cleveland, averaging 7.5 points and 4.4 assists in 24.6 minutes per game.

However, his playing time dwindled during the NBA Finals as coach Tyronn Lue gave minutes to Mo Williams.

Dellavedova was vital for Cleveland during the finals a year ago when Kyrie Irving shattered his kneecap. The 6-foot-4 guard is a relentless defender, and star LeBron James joked during a rally last week that if Dellavedova was battling a bear for a loose ball that “Delly would tear that damn bear up.”

Browns release QB Connor Shaw

CLEVELAND

The Browns have waived quarterback Connor Shaw, who started Cleveland’s 2014 season finale.

Signed as an undrafted free agent after a stellar career at South Carolina, Shaw missed last season with a right thumb injury sustained in the team’s exhibition opener. He underwent surgery and was placed on injured reserve in September.

Because of injuries to Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel, the 24-year-old Shaw was forced to start the Browns’ last game in 2014 against Baltimore. Despite limited practice time, the third-stringer showed poise while playing with a bruised kidney in a 20-10 loss to the playoff-bound Ravens.

Cowboys’ McClain gets 10-game suspension

IRVING, Texas

Dallas linebacker Rolando McClain has been suspended for the first 10 games this coming season for again violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will get a four-game ban for his first violation.

McClain was suspended the first four games last year. He signed a second straight one-year deal with the Cowboys, who helped him resurrect a career that flamed out early in Oakland.

Sooners CB Thomas arrested after night out

NORMAN, OKLA.

Oklahoma cornerback Jordan Thomas was arrested early Thursday on suspicion of public intoxication, assault and battery, and interference with official process.

According to police in Norman, Thomas was picked up at 1:49 a.m. A Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said the 20-year-old Thomas was booked into jail at 2:45 a.m. and released at 11:13 a.m.

A school spokesman said Oklahoma is “aware of it and will monitor the situation and react accordingly.”

Thomas, a second-team All-Big 12 pick last season, intercepted five passes in 2015.

The talented junior has found trouble several times in the past year. He missed the first quarter against Akron and the entire Tulsa game last season for disciplinary reasons. He was arrested in December for failure to appear following a speeding violation.

Quaresma shootout hero for Portugal

MARSEILLE, France

Ricardo Quaresma scored the winning penalty as Portugal beat Poland 5-3 in a shootout in the European Championship quarterfinals on Thursday following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

After scoring an extra-time winner in the round of 16 against Croatia, Quaresma sent his spot-kick past Lukasz Fabianski to give Portugal a semifinal against either Wales or Belgium in Lyon on Wednesday. It will be the fourth time the Portuguese have reached the semifinals in the last five tournaments.

Earlier, Poland striker Robert Lewandowski had put his team in front with the quickest goal of the tournament, scoring inside two minutes.

Associated Press