Gardner competes in Middle States tourney

Gardner competes in Middle States tourney

Wexford, Pa.

Poland graduate Garrett Gardner competed in the UTSA Middle States Championship last week at Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford, Pa. He teamed up with Erik Elek from Texas A&M and Jared Isaacs from Duquesne. The team won their division and will compete at Nationals in Las Vegas in October.

Quaker Steak & Lube to host YSU parties

The Quaker Steak & Lube locations in Warren/Cortland, Austintown, Boardman and Sharon, Pa., are hosting watch parties for Youngstown State’s football game against Samford on Saturday. Fans in YSU apparel can receive food and drink specials. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

Gordon placed on non-football injury list

FOXBOROUGH, Mass.

The New England Patriots have placed receiver Josh Gordon on the non-football injury list while he gets back into shape following his suspension.

The move comes after the NFL conditionally lifted the suspension, saying Gordon could participate in team meetings, conditioning and individual workouts.

Gordon made two brief appearances in the Patriots’ locker room before practice Monday but said he did not have time to talk to reporters.

Gordon was suspended indefinitely in December for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

He had also been suspended in 2012, and he missed the entire 2015 and ‘16 seasons.

In interviews, he acknowledged using Xanax, cocaine, marijuana and other narcotics, and he said in 2017 he smoked pot before “probably every game of my career.”

The Cleveland Browns cut ties with him last September.

He had 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns with the Patriots before the league suspended him.

Dolphins’ Stills objects to Jay-Z’s comments

DAVIE, FLA.

Miami Dolphins receiver Kenny Stills objected Monday to recent comments from rapper Jay-Z about social activism by current and former NFL players, including Colin Kaepernick.

Jay-Z and the league last week announced a partnership he characterized as a progressive step to carry on the campaign that Kaepernick began by kneeling during the national anthem to bring attention to police brutality and racial division.

Stills said he isn’t so sure the Jay-Z partnership represents progress.

“I felt like he really discredited Colin and myself and the work that’s being done,” Stills said. “I’m going to try and give this man the benefit of the doubt for now, but it doesn’t sit right with me. It’s not something that I agree with. It’s not something that I respect.”

While Kaepernick is out of the NFL, Stills continues to kneel during the anthem to protest social injustice. Last week Jay-Z said kneeling has served its purpose.

“I think everyone knows what the issue is — we’re done with that,” Jay-Z said. “We all know the issue now. OK, next.”

Stills said Jay-Z could have reached out to him or to Kaepernick before announcing the partnership.

“He’s talking about, ‘We’re moving past kneeling,’ like he ever protested,” Stills said.

“He’s not an NFL player. He’s never been on a knee. ... To say that we’re moving past something, it didn’t seem very informed.”

Arkansas State coach takes leave of absence

JONESBORO, ARK.

Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson is taking a leave of absence while his wife fights cancer.

Athletic director Terry Mohajir said Monday in a statement that Anderson was taking the leave indefinitely to be with his family. Mohajir added: “We will continue to pray for peace for his family and provide assistance any way we can.”

Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator David Duggan will serve as interim head coach.

Staff/wire report