SPORTS digest

Athletics defeat Tribe

MESA, ARIZ.

Marcus Semien hit a two-run homer and Trevor Plouffe added a solo shot for Oakland in a 5-4 win over Cleveland in a spring training game Tuesday.

Top pitching prospect A.J. Puk struck out the side in his one inning of relief.

Rajai Davis, the A’s new center fielder who hit a homer for Cleveland in Game 7 of the World Series last season, led off and had one hit.

Blue Jays blank Pirates

BRADENTON, FLA.

Lucas Harrell pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three for Toronto in a 12-0 rout of Pittsburgh on Tuesday in a spring training game.

Pittsburgh starter Ivan Nova retired six straight, while reliever Tony Watson was roughed up for three earned runs on four hits and one walk in one inning.

Manziel appears after missing court deadline

DALLAS

After missing a court-ordered deadline, Johnny Manziel appeared before a judge Tuesday and promised to meet the stipulations required to get the troubled quarterback’s domestic violence case dismissed while saying his distrust of the NFL played a part in the delay.

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner said he doesn’t want to disappoint Judge Roberto Canas, who warned that he or a jury could decide Manziel’s fate if the deal reached in November is revoked.

The 24-year-old Manziel faced a misdemeanor charge that carried a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine after he was accused of hitting and threatening former girlfriend Colleen Crowley during a night out in January 2016. The judge said he called the hearing because Manziel missed a deadline for an update on the progress of meeting his conditions, including one that requires the former Cleveland Browns player to work through the NFL or another agency on a substance-abuse program.

Asked by the judge to explain how things would be going forward, Manziel said he responded quickly when attorney Jim Darnell told him the judge wasn’t happy.

“Since that day everything’s been going extremely smoothly and my life is trending upward,” Manziel said in a 70-second statement. “I don’t even want to let this get anywhere near the rabbit hole that you were describing. I’m taking this responsibility. This is helping me get my life back together.”

Baylor suspends player after protective order

WACO, TEXAS

Baylor safety Travon Blanchard has been suspended after the school was notified that a woman’s request for a protective order against him had been granted by a court.

The Baylor athletic department released a statement Tuesday, saying it was aware of the complaint made against Blanchard through the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office.

Baylor says it was notified on Feb. 7 and appropriate campus student-conduct process was initiated. Blanchard was suspended indefinitely from all team-related activities.

Baylor is facing at least six federal and state lawsuits as well as a federal civil rights investigation into claims the school and football program ignored, mishandled or tried to cover up reports of sexual or physical abuse and other criminal misdeeds across campus for years under former coach Art Briles and former school president Kenneth Starr.

MSU’s Dantonio issues statement amid probes

EAST LANSING, Mich.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio has released a statement saying he has “high standards” for his football program and expects players and staff to “conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and principles of Michigan State University.”

Dantonio has kept a low profile after allegations of sexual assault were made against three football players. The school announced the players’ suspensions from team activities last month. They also were removed from on-campus housing. Their names have not been released.

A staff member associated with the football program also was suspended.

Associated Press